Court Orders Nnamdi Kanu to Appear for 'Terrorism' Trial on February 10-Despite Judge's Recusal
Afnews Editor
Feb 08, 2025
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.
READ ALSO: Opinion: The Chicanery Of Charles Samankwe And The Misplaced Audacity Of The Abontas
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.
READ ALSO: Habits That Could Be Leading You Straight to a Heart Attack - And How to Break Free
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.
READ ALSO: ABIA: Watch How Umunneochi Vigilante Foiled Kidnap Attempt
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.
READ ALSO: Why El-Rufai Was Returned To ICPC Custody?
Legal Twist as Judge Resumes Case
READ ALSO: " I Curse The Day You Sent Me On That Mission" Acress Drags Kpokpogri
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.
READ ALSO: JUST IN: Former Chief Judge Kafarati died of cardiac arrest - Court | READ DETAILS
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.
READ ALSO: I Will Not Allow Criminality As President, Peter Obi Declares
Kanu's Legal Team Reacts
Reacting to the court's order, Nnamdi Kanu's lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, described the development as "shockingÔÇØ but affirmed that the legal team would attend the hearing, albeit with "bated breath.ÔÇØ
READ ALSO: Sowore's Miscalculation and the Need to beat a Wise Retreat
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
READ ALSO: WATCH VIDEO: What Happened In WTO Yesterday, How US Interfered In Okonjo-Iweala's Declaration as DG
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.
READ ALSO: Opinion: The Chicanery Of Charles Samankwe And The Misplaced Audacity Of The Abontas
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.
READ ALSO: Habits That Could Be Leading You Straight to a Heart Attack - And How to Break Free
What Lies Ahead?
READ ALSO: ABIA: Watch How Umunneochi Vigilante Foiled Kidnap Attempt
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.
READ ALSO: Why El-Rufai Was Returned To ICPC Custody?
With the court now set to proceed with the case, February 10 could mark another defining moment in Kanu's prolonged legal struggle.
READ ALSO: " I Curse The Day You Sent Me On That Mission" Acress Drags Kpokpogri
https://youtube.com/live/jU9N-OgOCGo
Related Stories
REVEALED: How All Progressives Congress (APC) Played Into The Opposition Hands Ahead Of 2027 - Sumner Sambo Warns
I Will Not Allow Criminality As President, Peter Obi Declares
Why El-Rufai Was Returned To ICPC Custody?
Sowore's Miscalculation and the Need to beat a Wise Retreat
Tinubu Breaks Silence on Hardship, Inflation, Power Crisis - Vows Nigeria Will Overcome Economic Storm
"Terrorists Have Outgunned Our TroopsÔÇØ - Ndume Raises Alarm Over Boko Haram War, Sends Urgent Message To Tinubu
""
— Afnews Editor