Aloy Ejimakor, Special Counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has declared that Kanu’s trial will not proceed until a new judge is assigned by Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho.
Ejimakor stated that Justice Binta Nyako, who previously handled Kanu’s case, had officially recused herself and enrolled an order confirming her withdrawal. This move followed Kanu’s September 2024 request for Justice Nyako to step down, citing a lack of confidence in her impartiality.
Despite Nyako’s recusal and the subsequent transfer of the case to Chief Judge Tsoho for reassignment, Tsoho returned the case file to Nyako, instructing her to continue with the trial.
Federal Government counsel Adegboyega Awomolo requested a new trial date following Tsoho’s directive, but Ejimakor rejected the move, insisting that Justice Nyako’s withdrawal remains legally binding.
In a statement, Ejimakor emphasized that no further legal actions can proceed until another judge is appointed. He argued that the prolonged delay in reassignment renders Kanu’s continued detention unconstitutional.
“The Constitution forbids detaining anyone without trial for an extended period,” Ejimakor noted. “This judicial impasse is not Kanu’s fault but a result of the authorities’ failure to handle the case according to constitutional and legal standards.”
He warned that any attempt to resume the trial under Justice Nyako would violate her recusal order, leading to further legal complications. Ejimakor concluded by asserting that Kanu would not return to what he described as a “legal Egypt.”
Peoplesmind
