The lead counsel for Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has opposed the Nigerian government’s attempt to set a new date for Kanu’s trial.
The lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, argued that the move is invalid because Justice Binta Nyako of the Abuja Federal High Court had officially stepped down from handling Kanu’s case on September 24, 2024.
Kanu had previously asked Justice Nyako to withdraw from the trial, expressing a lack of confidence in her. In response, the judge returned the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho. However, Justice Tsoho later sent the file back to Justice Nyako for her to continue the trial.
Despite this development, the prosecuting counsel for the Nigerian government, Adegboyega Awomolo, wrote to the Federal High Court on December 5, 2024, requesting a date to proceed with the trial. In his letter, Awomolo stated that the Chief Judge had returned the case file to Justice Nyako and asked for cooperation in resuming the case.
In a counter-response, Ejimakor rejected the request, describing it as misleading and unconstitutional. He argued that Justice Nyako’s decision to withdraw from the case remains valid and has not been overturned by any competent court. He emphasized that proceeding with the trial under Justice Nyako would violate legal procedures and principles.
Kanu has been in detention since June 2021, following his controversial arrest and extradition from Kenya. Although the Court of Appeal discharged and acquitted him of all charges, the Nigerian government has refused to release him. The Supreme Court later ruled in December 2023 that the case should return to the Federal High Court in Abuja for a retrial.
Be the first to comment