ABUJA, Nigeria – Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered an accelerated hearing in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who faces a seven-count charge of treasonable felony.
The trial has been adjourned to 29 April, 2 May, and 6 May 2024 for a full hearing.
Kanu’s trial resumed after his case file was reassigned to Justice Omotosho.
The IPOB leader, through his legal team, apologised to the court for his outburst during a previous appearance before Justice Binta Nyako.
He also pleaded not guilty to the charges levelled against him.
The case was initially handled by Justice Nyako, who recused herself on 24 September 2024 after Kanu accused her of bias.
Justice Nyako stated that she could not proceed with a trial where the defendant lacked confidence in the court and sent the file to the Chief Judge for reassignment.
However, the Chief Judge returned the file to her, insisting that a formal application was required for her recusal to be accepted.
Kanu and his lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, maintained on 10 February that Justice Nyako no longer had jurisdiction over the case after stepping down, prompting the judge to adjourn the matter indefinitely (sine die).
The case has seen multiple judges since its inception.
It was previously handled by Justice Ahmed Mohammed, who has since been elevated to the Court of Appeal, and Justice John Tsoho before he became the Chief Judge.
Justice Tsoho subsequently reassigned the case to Justice Omotosho.
During the proceedings, Kanu tendered a written apology to Justice Nyako and the prosecution counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, for his earlier outburst.
Kanu’s legal team, now led by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi, SAN, assured the court of his client’s good conduct throughout the trial.
In response, Awomolo forgave Kanu for his comments, stating that the prosecution’s goal was not to persecute him but to ensure a swift resolution of the case.
The prosecution requested an adjournment to assemble witnesses, which was granted by the court.
Kanu was arrested in Kenya and extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria on 27 June 2021.
His detention and trial have sparked widespread controversy, with supporters and human rights groups calling for his release, while the federal government maintains that he must face trial for alleged offences against the state.
