Justice Binta Nyako Steps Down From Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial

IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu

At the resumed hearing in the trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, Justice Binta Nyako, announced her decision to recuse herself from the IPOB leader’s trial.

Nyako’s decision to recuse herself from the trial comes after Kanu’s request in the open court that the trial judge recuse herself from his trial since she has refused to obey the orders of the Supreme Court.

The Federal Government is trying Kanu a seven-count bordering on terrorism.

Kanu had expressed his loss of confidence in the court asking that the trial judge recuse herself from his trial.

In response, Justice Nyako said she would be happy to step aside, adding that she would be sending Kanu’s case file back to the chief judge for it to be reassigned.

Meanwhile, Kanu ordered his counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, to sit down while he was trying to persuade the court to suspend the trial on the basis that his client was denied the opportunity to prepare his defence.

Kanu referred to the Supreme Court judgement where alleged bias against the judge was raised.

“Sit down! I say you should sit down!” Kanu had yelled at his lawyer.

Speaking further, he said, “My lord, I have no confidence in this court any more, and I ask you to recuse yourself because you did not abide by the decision of the Supreme Court.

“I can understand it if the DSS refuses to obey a court order, but for this court to refuse to obey an order of the Supreme Court is regrettable.

“I am asking you to recuse yourself from this case.”

The prosecution counsel, Adegboyega Awomolo, (SAN), however, tried to urge Justice Nyako to proceed with the trial, but she responded that she had been minded to recuse herself from the case.

“I hereby recuse myself and remit the case file back to the Chief Judge,” she declared.

PBAT’s Oil and Gas Reforms

PBAT's Oil and Gas Reforms 2.3

NCC

NNPC Recruitment

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*