IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu Returns to Court After Stalled Trial in Abuja

Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has arrived at the Abuja Federal High Court for the continuation of his trial. This comes after a prolonged halt in proceedings following a recusal order issued by Justice Binta Nyako in September 2024.

The trial had been delayed when Kanu requested that Justice Nyako step down from his case, citing a lack of confidence in her impartiality. In response to this request, the judge issued the recusal order and returned the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho. However, it was later reported that Tsoho instructed Justice Nyako to resume handling the case, which brings the matter back to her courtroom.

Kanu is facing charges of terrorism, brought against him by the Nigerian federal government, and his trial has been a source of significant political and legal tension.

The IPOB leader’s brother, Kanunta Kanu, shared a video on X (formerly Twitter) showing Nnamdi Kanu’s arrival at the court. In his post, Kanunta wrote: “10th of February 2025 #MaziNnamdiKanu live at dishonorable Justice Binta Nyako’s court in Abuja, Nigeria,” signaling the resumption of what is expected to be a high-stakes legal battle.