ABUJA, Nigeria — Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered an accelerated hearing in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who is facing a seven-count charge of treasonable felony.
Following the reassignment of the case file to Justice Omotosho, the court fixed 29 April, 2 May, and 6 May 2024 for full hearing.
The latest development marks a new phase in a long-running legal battle that has seen multiple judges and adjournments since Kanu’s arrest and extradition to Nigeria in 2021.
Apology and Reorganisation
At the resumed sitting, Kanu, through his legal team, formally apologised to the court for his outburst during an earlier appearance before Justice Binta Nyako, who had recused herself from the case on 24 September 2024 following accusations of bias.
Kanu pleaded not guilty to the charges, which include inciting violence and threatening the sovereignty of the Nigerian state.
Kanu’s new lead counsel, former Attorney-General of the Federation and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kanu Agabi, SAN, assured the court of his client’s commitment to decorum throughout the trial.
The apology was also extended to Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, lead prosecutor in the case. Awomolo accepted the apology, stating, “The prosecution is not interested in persecution, but in ensuring that justice is done swiftly and fairly.”
Judicial Reassignments and Delays
The case has been marred by delays due to judicial transitions.
Initially handled by Justice Ahmed Mohammed (now at the Court of Appeal) and later Justice John Tsoho (now Chief Judge), the file has changed hands multiple times.
Justice Binta Nyako, who presided over the case until her recusal, had attempted to return the case file to the Chief Judge.
However, the file was sent back to her on grounds that a formal application for recusal had not been filed.
Kanu’s legal team maintained during a 10 February proceeding that Justice Nyako no longer had jurisdiction, prompting her to adjourn the matter sine die (indefinitely). The case has since been reassigned to Justice Omotosho.
Background and Controversy
Kanu was arrested in Kenya and extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria on 27 June 2021, a move that drew international criticism and calls for his release from human rights groups and IPOB supporters.
The federal government insists that Kanu must face trial for his alleged role in inciting violence and destabilising the country through IPOB’s separatist activities.
With new hearing dates fixed, attention is now focused on whether the long-delayed trial will proceed without further complications.
Justice Omotosho’s directive for an expedited hearing signals a renewed judicial effort to bring resolution to one of Nigeria’s most high-profile political and legal cases in recent years.
