Nigeria Justice Nyako Steps Down From Nnamdi Kanu's Case After His Request

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB, requested Justice Binta Nyako to recuse herself from his trial, citing the court's failure to follow a Supreme Court order. Despite objections from the prosecution, the judge agreed to step down, returning the case to the Chief Judge for reassignment, prolonging the high-profile case.

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), urged Justice Binta Nyako to recuse herself from his ongoing trial. During a court session, Kanu interrupted his lawyer, expressing dissatisfaction with how the court handled the Supreme Court’s order. He stated that the court’s refusal to obey the Supreme Court undermined his confidence in the proceedings.

Despite objections from the prosecution, Kanu insisted that Justice Nyako should withdraw from the case. He also presented a Supreme Court judgement, asserting that the court's actions compromised its impartiality.

Justice Nyako, after considering the situation, decided to step down from the case and return the file to the Chief Judge for reassignment. Kanu’s trial, which has faced numerous delays, continues as he remains in custody following his re-arrest in 2021.

This trial has drawn significant public interest as Kanu’s case highlights various legal and political complexities surrounding the IPOB leader's push for secession.