The detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has vowed never to stand trial again before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja.
In an open letter to Nigerians on Friday, Kanu, who faces terrorism charges, stated that he would rather remain in detention than be subjected to what he considers an unfair trial. His special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, shared the letter on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday.
Why Kanu Rejects Trial Under Justice Nyako
Kanu’s rejection of Justice Nyako stems from her alleged bias in handling his case. He pointed out that:
- On September 24, 2024, he requested her recusal due to concerns over fairness.
- She initially withdrew from the case, but the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court later reassigned it to her.
- He accused the judge of ordering his continued detention at the State Security Service (SSS) facility without granting him a fair hearing.
- He claimed she refused to transfer him to a correctional facility, which would have allowed him better access to prepare for trial.
- He also accused her of disregarding a Supreme Court ruling that had previously restored his bail rights.
“If it will take the rest of my life in detention to produce me before a proper and impartial court, so be it,” Kanu wrote.
Allegations Against the Judiciary
Kanu criticized the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassigning his case to Justice Nyako, despite her earlier recusal. He alleged that this move was a deliberate effort to convict him.
“This is not about the lack of decent judges in Nigeria. My case is deliberately being shielded from those who would uphold justice, even if it means ruling against the federal government,” he stated.
Extraordinary Rendition and Legal Battles
Kanu recounted how he was abducted from Kenya and forcibly repatriated to Nigeria in 2021, a move he claims violated both local and international laws. He noted that:
- The Court of Appeal, Abuja, ruled on October 13, 2022, that his extraordinary rendition was illegal and struck out the charges against him.
- However, the Nigerian government refused to release him and instead appealed the ruling.
- A panel of justices later issued a stay of execution, allowing the federal government to continue detaining him.
- The Supreme Court, on December 15, 2023, reversed his acquittal and ordered a continuation of his trial.
Kanu maintained that, under normal legal principles, the government should not have been granted any relief without first obeying the court order that discharged him.
Background and Ongoing Detention
Kanu was first arrested in 2015 under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration. He fled Nigeria after being granted bail in 2017 but was later forcibly returned from Kenya in 2021.
Despite legal victories at various levels, the Nigerian government has insisted that releasing him could lead to security threats in the South-East.
Kanu, however, remains resolute:
“I will not succumb to any trial conducted by a judge whose jurisdiction does not meet constitutional standards. Not now, not ever.”
