Nnamdi Kanu’s Treason Trial Begins Afresh Today Under New Judge
The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the self-proclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is set to begin afresh today before a new judge, Justice James Omotosho.
Kanu, who was extradited from Kenya in 2021, had been facing trial before Justice Binta Nyako for three years before he lost confidence in her handling of the case. Following his request for the judge to recuse herself, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, reassigned the case to Justice Omotosho.
Last week, Justice Omotosho scheduled March 21 for the fresh hearing. It was confirmed that all necessary case files and documents have been transferred to his court, and hearing notices have been dispatched to the relevant parties.
Barring any unforeseen delays, Kanu will be re-arraigned on the remaining seven counts of treason charges filed against him by the Federal Government.
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The Supreme Court had ruled on December 15, 2023, that Kanu must face trial, reversing an earlier decision by the Court of Appeal that discharged and acquitted him. The apex court acknowledged that while his extradition from Kenya was illegal, it did not strip the trial court of jurisdiction over his case.
However, since the Supreme Court’s ruling, there had been no significant progress in the trial before Justice Nyako, as Kanu’s legal team repeatedly requested more time to prepare for his defense. On September 24, 2024, Kanu formally demanded that Justice Nyako step down from the case, leading to her eventual withdrawal.
Although Justice Tsoho initially rejected her request to step aside, he later reassigned the case to Justice Omotosho, who will now preside over Kanu’s trial.
