Nnamdi Kanu’s long-standing trial is set to begin afresh on March 21 as the Federal High Court reassigns the case to Justice Omotosho following Justice Nyako’s recusal. Get the full details of the latest developments.
The long-standing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is set to begin afresh on March 21, 2025, as a new judge, Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, takes over the case.
This development comes after the former presiding judge, Justice Binta Nyako, recused herself following repeated allegations of bias by Nnamdi Kanu and his legal team. The reassignment of the case means that the trial, which originally commenced in 2015, will now be restarted from the beginning.
Background: A Legal Battle Spanning Nearly a Decade
Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his controversial arrest and extradition from Kenya in 2021, is facing charges bordering on treasonable felony. His trial has been marked by numerous legal twists and turns, with Nigerian authorities determined to prosecute him despite multiple court rulings in his favor.
In 2017, Nnamdi Kanu was granted bail but later fled the country after a military raid on his residence. This led to the revocation of his bail and the issuance of a bench warrant for his arrest. Upon his return to Nigeria in 2021 under circumstances that sparked international outcry, the Federal Government resumed its case against him.
In April 2022, Justice Nyako struck out eight of the 15 charges against Kanu, while the Court of Appeal quashed the remaining seven charges on October 13, 2022, ordering his release. However, the Federal Government swiftly secured a stay of execution on the ruling, keeping Kanu in DSS custody.
Judicial Drama: From Recusal to Reassignment
Kanu has consistently demanded that Justice Nyako withdraw from his case, arguing that her handling of the matter demonstrated bias. In September 2024, the judge finally stepped down following an oral application by Kanu’s legal team. However, two weeks later, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, reassigned the case back to Nyako, citing procedural requirements for a formal application.
On February 10, 2025, the case was indefinitely adjourned after Nnamdi Kanu stood firm in his rejection of Justice Nyako’s return. This led to the intervention of Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, who, alongside Justice Tsoho, reassigned the case to Justice Omotosho.
Confirming the development on March 8, Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, revealed that he had received official letters from the CJN and the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court notifying him of the reassignment. The Federal High Court has also released an official statement affirming the change.
What Next for Nnamdi Kanu?
With a fresh trial set to commence, observers are keen to see how Justice Omotosho will handle the case, given the political and security sensitivities surrounding Kanu’s prosecution. His trial continues to stir tensions in the South-East, where IPOB enjoys significant support despite being proscribed as a terrorist organization by the Nigerian government.
Legal experts believe the fresh trial could either lead to an accelerated judicial process or extend the legal battle indefinitely. Meanwhile, Kanu’s supporters are calling for his immediate release, citing the Court of Appeal ruling that dismissed all charges against him.
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