The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has been returned to the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) following the indefinite adjournment of his terrorism trial by the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Justice Binta Nyako, who presided over the case on Monday, ruled to adjourn the matter sine die (indefinitely) after Kanu insisted she could not continue hearing his case since she had previously recused herself.
Kanu’s legal battle took a turn in September 2024 when Justice Nyako opted out of the case, citing a request from the defendant. However, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, later returned the case file to her, stating that Kanu must formally file a motion seeking reassignment.
During Monday’s proceedings, the prosecution, represented by Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), requested the court to fix a trial date, arguing that all necessary processes had been filed. However, Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, maintained that Justice Nyako’s recusal remained valid and urged that the case be transferred to a Federal High Court in the South-East if no Abuja judge was willing to handle it.
Kanu, visibly agitated, took over from his lawyer, rejecting the court’s authority. He argued that Justice Nyako had no jurisdiction over his case, stating, “You cannot preside over this case, not now, not today, not ever. You stand recused.”
Despite calls for order, Kanu repeatedly interrupted proceedings, accusing the prosecution of subverting the law. Following the heated exchanges, Justice Nyako ruled that the trial would be adjourned indefinitely due to the ongoing disputes.
With the adjournment, DSS operatives escorted Kanu out of the courtroom and returned him to custody, in line with the court’s directive.
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