The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has been ordered to appear before Justice Binta Nyako at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, February 10, 2025.
This directive was confirmed in a hearing notice dated January 22, 2025, which was sent to Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor.
Background of the Case
Kanu had previously requested a transfer of his trial to the South-East, arguing that no other judge in the Federal High Court, Abuja, apart from Justice Nyako, was willing to handle his case.
During a court session on September 24, 2024, Kanu asked Justice Nyako to recuse herself, citing a lack of confidence in her handling of the case. Following this, Nyako withdrew from the case and handed it over to Justice Tsoho, who later returned the file to her.
Kanu’s legal team has argued that Nyako presiding over the case after her recusal violates judicial procedures. They have since applied for the case to be transferred to a Federal High Court in the South-East, insisting that the alleged offenses primarily concern the region.
Legal Team’s Response
Ejimakor expressed surprise at the new hearing notice and reaffirmed that Kanu’s team will attend the hearing while still pushing for the case to be moved.
He also emphasized that Justice Nyako’s initial recusal should remain binding, arguing that no judge in Abuja has agreed to take the case, making a transfer to the South-East the best option.
The case remains highly controversial, with legal and political implications.
