Aloy Ejima reject FG attempt to set a date for the resumption of Kanu’s trial.

By Divine Sam

The lead counsel for Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Aloy Ejimakor, has strongly rejected the Nigerian government’s attempt to set a date for the resumption of Kanu’s trial. Ejimakor’s objection is based on the fact that Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court had recused herself from handling Kanu’s case on September 24, 2024, due to Kanu’s request, citing a lack of confidence in her handling of the matter. The case file was returned to the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho, but was subsequently sent back to Justice Nyako for trial continuation, prompting the Nigerian government’s request for a trial date.

Ejimakor contends that the government’s request is “fatally misconceived” because Justice Nyako’s recusal order remains in effect, and no subsequent order from a competent court has overturned it. He warns that allowing the trial to continue under Nyako could lead to constitutional violations and would mislead the court. Kanu, who has been in detention since June 2021, was earlier acquitted by the Court of Appeal, but the Nigerian government has refused to release him, and the matter is now being contested in the Supreme Court.