Nnamdi Kanu’s Terrorism Trial Reassigned to New Judge

The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been reassigned to a new judge at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The move follows Mr Kanu’s request for the recusal of the previous judge, Justice Binta Nyako, from his terrorism trial.

Mr Kanu’s legal team confirmed the reassignment in a statement on Saturday.

Justice Nyako had initially recused herself, but the case was later reassigned back to her, a decision Mr Kanu’s lawyers strongly opposed.

In February, Mr Kanu’s legal team wrote to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, seeking her intervention.

According to his lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, they received two letters on Friday: one from the Chief Justice and another from the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, confirming the reassignment.

Mr Kanu has expressed his gratitude to the Chief Justice for her “sound administrative discretion” and thanked the public for their support.

Mr Ejimakor said Mr Kanu is “firmly convinced of his innocence” and has always been ready to stand trial. He stated that the reassignment was necessary to ensure Mr Kanu’s “right to a fair and speedy hearing”.

“Now that the authorities have taken the initial steps to uphold the law, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and his legal team will take stock and focus on zealous preparation for his defence,” Mr Ejimakor said.