Would you like to receive notifications on latest updates of the following headlines?

Kanu's trial postponed indefinitely amid jurisdiction dispute

POSTED ON February 11, 2025 •   Politics      BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara
Nnamdi Kanu l Credit: AFP

ABUJA, Nigeria - Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja has indefinitely postponed the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). 

This decision comes after Kanu asserted that Nyako should not lead his trial, referencing her earlier recusal.

He questioned her jurisdiction over his case, expressing a lack of trust in her ability to handle it, and requested her to step aside.

The Judge acquiesced to his request, forwarding the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, for reassignment to another judge. Despite Kanu's claims that Justice Nyako lacked jurisdiction, the judge decided to adjourn the case indefinitely.

Kanu has been held in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, facing allegations of terrorism. His trial has been delayed since Justice Nyako recused herself following an oral request from Kanu on September 24, 2024.

However, Chief Judge John Tsoho subsequently returned the case file to Justice Nyako, indicating that Kanu's application should be formally submitted to the court via a motion on notice. On December 5, 2024, the prosecution counsel requested the court to schedule a date to begin Kanu's trial.

Conversely, defense counsel Aloy Ejimakor opposed the motion for a trial date in a letter dated December 9, 2024, affirming that Justice Nyako's recusal remains effective.

Ejimakor proposed that the case be moved to a Federal High Court in the South-East if no judge in Abuja is available to hear it, a request that was denied

During the latest hearing, Justice Nyako remarked that the Chief Judge had not recognized her recusal, referring the case back to her.

She requested that the defense team, led by Aloy Ejimakor, submit a written application if they remain adamant about the recusal.

Earlier, Adegboyega Awomolo, representing the prosecution, affirmed their readiness to proceed to trial as their witnesses were prepared.

A visibly upset Kanu questioned the rationale for his appearance before Justice Nyako, declaring that her statements were irrelevant and stating that he did not acknowledge the authority of the court in relation to his case.

READ ALSO
APC is commercialise, everything has a price tag- El-rufai
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara March 14, 2025 0

KADUNA - Former Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, has said that he sought the permission...

READ ALSO
Tinubu highlights need for economic reform to protect future generations
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara March 14, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - President Bola Tinubu emphasizes that the purpose of his administration's economic...

READ ALSO
PDP slams Niger governor for regret amid economic decline
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara March 13, 2025 0

MINNA , Nigeria - The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has ridiculed Governor Moh...

READ ALSO
Shettima advocates collaborative leadership for lasting change
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara March 13, 2025 0

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday, emphasized the need for unity and collaboration among...

READ ALSO
Tinubu meets Lagos lawmakers amid leadership crisis
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara March 12, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - To end the leadership crisis rocking the Lagos State House of Assembly, President B...

READ ALSO
Fubara commits to upholding supreme court ruling amid political turmoil
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara March 12, 2025 0

RIVERS, Nigeria (NAN) - Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers has reaffirmed his commitment to execut...

READ ALSO
Conduct by-elections for unfilled senate seats, Akpabio urges INEC
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara March 12, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria (NAN) - The Senate has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)...

READ ALSO
Tinubu seeks senate confirmation for Ayogu's CBN appointment
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara March 12, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - President Bola Tinubu has sent a letter to the Senate seeking confirmation of Melvi...

OUR CHANNELS:

NAHCON approves Max Air for Jigawa 2025 pilgrims
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara March 14, 2025 0

JIGAWA, Nigeria - The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has approved Max Air to transport...


National centre teams up with National Park Service to combat crime
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara March 14, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria - The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons has reiterated...


Minister advocates for financial support amidst declining U.S. Aid for ATM Programs
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara March 14, 2025 0

The Health Minister, Mohammed Pate, on Thursday advocated for greater financial support for HIV/AIDS...


WHO, UNICEF warn of measles crisis as cases double in one year
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara March 15, 2025 0

The United Nation have reported the highest Measles cases in Europe in just a year, with the highest...


Frenkie de Jong shines as Barcelona eyes trophies amid contract uncertainty
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara March 15, 2025 0

FC Barcelona has been showcasing outstanding performance, both in their domestic league and in the C...


PDP slams Niger governor for regret amid economic decline
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara March 14, 2025 0

MINNA , Nigeria - The opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has ridiculed Governor Moh...


FG launches digital skills training program to combat unemployment, foster economic growth
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara March 14, 2025 0

ABUJA, Nigeria -  In an effort to address unemployment and stimulate economic growth, the Feder...


ICPC arraigns suspended REA boss, businessman over N15M fraud
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara March 14, 2025 0

KWARA, Nigeria - The trial involving the former Governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed, and his F...


N35bn loan disbursement for 261,000 students in Nigeria
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara March 15, 2025 0

EDO, Nigeria - The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) said it has so far disbursed N35 billion t...


Shettima advocates collaborative leadership for lasting change
BY Abiodun Saheed Omodara March 14, 2025 0

Vice-President Kashim Shettima, on Wednesday, emphasized the need for unity and collaboration among...


More Articles

Load more...

Menu