The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu to appear for trial on February 10, 2025, despite Justice Binta Nyako stepping down from the case last year. This latest development adds a new dimension to Kanu’s long-standing legal battle.
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to appear for the continuation of his terrorism trial on February 10, 2025.
This latest ruling has sparked reactions from his legal team, particularly as the trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, had previously recused herself from the case following concerns raised by the defendant.
A hearing notice dated January 22, 2025, was formally addressed to Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, notifying the defence team of the new trial date.
Legal Twist as Judge Resumes Case
Kanu’s trial had been stalled since September 24, 2024, when Justice Nyako stepped down from the case. The decision followed an oral application by Kanu, who openly declared in court that he had lost confidence in her ability to deliver justice in his trial.
Despite this, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, later returned the case to Nyako. Tsoho ruled that Nnamdi Kanu’s request for a different judge must be presented formally as a motion on notice, rather than through an oral application.
This decision paved the way for the latest hearing notice, which now mandates Kanu’s reappearance in court on February 10.
Kanu’s Legal Team Reacts
Reacting to the court’s order, Nnamdi Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, described the development as “shocking” but affirmed that the legal team would attend the hearing, albeit with “bated breath.”
Ejimakor had earlier insisted that Justice Nyako’s decision to recuse herself remained valid, opposing any moves to bring her back into the case. In a letter dated December 9, 2024, the defence team urged the judiciary to transfer the case to a Federal High Court in the South-East if no Abuja-based judge was willing to preside over it.
Prosecution Pushes for Resumption of Trial
Meanwhile, the prosecution, led by senior lawyer Adegboyega Awomolo, had actively sought a date for the trial to resume. In a letter dated December 5, 2024, addressed to the Deputy Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, the prosecution formally requested that the case be scheduled for hearing.
With the latest ruling now fixing February 10 for the continuation of the trial, all eyes will be on the Federal High Court to see how events unfold, particularly as concerns remain over the impartiality of the presiding judge.
What Lies Ahead?
Nnamdi Kanu has remained in detention since his controversial arrest and extradition to Nigeria in 2021. His trial has been marred by multiple legal battles, including questions over his fundamental rights and calls from various groups for his release.
With the court now set to proceed with the case, February 10 could mark another defining moment in Kanu’s prolonged legal struggle.
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