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Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is fighting back. He’s challenging the power of the Federal High Court in Abuja to try him on terrorism charges. People call this legal battle the Kanu’s Jurisdiction challenge.
On Monday, Kanu faced Justice Binta Nyako. Nyako had stepped away from the case earlier, but Chief Judge John Tsoho of the Federal High Court brought her back. Kanu made it clear he wasn’t happy. He stated he doesn’t recognize the authority of Nyako’s court.
“I do not accept this court’s authority over me,” Kanu declared. He explained that his presence in court was solely out of respect for the rule of law.
Kanu accuses Justice Nyako of bias and requests a new judge. Prosecutor Adegboyega Awomolo objected to Kanu’s statements and pushed for a firm hearing date. However, Justice Nyako halted the trial indefinitely.
The Heart of the Matter: Kanu’s Jurisdiction Challenge
The trial has been on hold since September 24, 2024. That’s when Justice Nyako initially recused herself after Kanu requested it.
This case centres on a key legal question. The Kanu Jurisdiction Dispute remains a major obstacle. The IPOB leader lost faith in Justice Nyako’s fairness. Now, Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, is seeking a change of venue. He requested a transfer of the case to a Federal High Court in the South-East, adding that he would pursue that option if no Abuja judge agreed to preside. The Kanu’s Jurisdiction Dispute has brought everything to a halt. The defense’s questions have put the trial on pause.
