The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has disclosed that he has been unexpectedly summoned to appear before the Federal High Court, despite the prior recusal of Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako from his case.
Kanu’s Special Counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, made this known in a statement issued on Friday, February 7, following a routine visit by Kanu’s legal team and family members.
Legal Team Seeks Case Relocation
In their latest legal maneuver, Kanu’s defense team, led by Ejimakor, submitted a formal request for the transfer of his ongoing case, referenced as FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015, from the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court to a court within the South-East region of Nigeria.
The application, filed on January 30, 2025, was made in accordance with Order 49, Rule 3 of the Federal High Court Rules (2019) and Section 45 of the Federal High Court Act. The legal team argued that the request was prompted by Justice Nyako’s decision on September 24, 2024, to withdraw from the case after Kanu’s oral plea during a public hearing.
Ejimakor Reacts to Court Summons
Commenting on the sudden court notice, Ejimakor expressed concern over the development. In a statement issued today, he remarked,
“Our discussions centered on the surprising notice we received, instructing us to appear in court with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on Monday, February 10, 2025. We shall appear with bated breath.”
He further stated that reliable sources had confirmed that following her recusal, Justice Murtala-Nyako had promptly forwarded the case file to the Chief Judge for reassignment to another judge within the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court.
Uncertainty Surrounding Kanu’s Trial
Kanu’s legal battle continues to draw attention, as questions linger over the decision to keep the case within the Abuja Division despite the judge’s recusal. His legal team maintains that transferring the trial to the South-East would ensure a fairer and more accessible judicial process for their client.
Observers are now keenly watching how the Federal High Court will handle the latest developments, especially given the complex legal and political dynamics surrounding Kanu’s case.
