At a resumed hearing, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, instructed his counsel, Alloy Ejimakor, to sit down as he addressed the court regarding a Supreme Court judgment where allegations of bias against the presiding judge were raised.
Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, on Tuesday, stepped down from presiding over Kanu’s trial following his open request that she recuse herself. Kanu argued that she had failed to comply with Supreme Court orders, leading to his loss of confidence in her handling of the case.
During the session, Ejimakor was attempting to persuade the court to halt the trial, citing that Kanu had been denied the opportunity to adequately prepare his defense. However, Kanu interrupted, rising from the dock and ordering his lawyer to stop speaking.
“Sit down! I say you should sit down!” Kanu shouted from his position.
Addressing the judge, Kanu stated, “My lord, I no longer have confidence in this court and I request that you recuse yourself for not following the Supreme Court’s decision. While I can understand if the DSS disobeys court orders, it is regrettable for this court to do the same. I ask you to remove yourself from this case.”
Despite efforts by the prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, to encourage the court to continue with the trial, Justice Nyako decided to step down.
“I hereby recuse myself and remit the case file back to the Chief Judge,” she declared.