The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu, on Monday renewed the call for Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, to withdraw from his trial for alleged terrorism.
The judge adjourned the case indefinitely at the resumed sitting on Monday.
Kanu, who was surprised to appear before the judge after she had earlier recused herself from the case in September last year, bluntly told her to withdraw from the trial.
The IPOB leader’s Special Counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, told journalists that his client was surprised that the case which was earlier referred to the Chief Judge of the FHC, Justice John Tsoho, had been returned to Justice Nyako despite recusing herself from the trial.
He said: “At the resumed hearing on Monday, the prosecuting counsel led by Mr. Awomolo, told the judge he was ready for the commencement of trial as his witnesses were ready.
‘However, my client, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has chosen to not stand trial before Mrs. Nyako. The defendant is still asking that your lordship recuse herself from this matter.”
Before adjourning the case indefinitely, Justice Nyako reportedly told the IPOB leader that Justice Tsoho had not accepted the recusal and had referred the case back to her for trial.
She then advised the defence team to send a written application if they still insisted on her withdrawal from the case.