Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has formally recused herself from the proceedings regarding the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, in connection with the terrorism charges instituted against him by the federal government.
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CREEBHILLS reports that the Honorable Judge, on Tuesday, chose to withdraw from the trial subsequent to Nnamdi Kanu’s declaration that he possessed neither confidence nor trust in her judicial capabilities.
During the course of Tuesday’s proceedings, Kanu abruptly rose from the dock and instructed his legal representative, Aloy Ejimako, to remain seated so that he might address the court.
In the tumult that followed, Kanu assumed control of the proceedings, proclaimed that he had lost confidence in Justice Binta Nyako, and demanded her immediate recusal from the case.
Notwithstanding the objection raised by the federal government’s counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, against Kanu’s request, the Honorable Judge maintained her decision to recuse herself.
Awomolo contended that the directive to commence the trial was in accordance with a Supreme Court ruling; however, Justice Binta Nyako expressed her preference for a different judge to preside over the trial.
The Honorable Judge subsequently recused herself and mandated that the case file be returned to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, for reassignment to another judicial officer.
Meanwhile,Nnamdi Kanu has been remanded back into the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).