**Fatshimetry: Nnamdi Kanu asks Justice Binta Nyako to recuse herself**
Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra, has asked Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja to recuse herself from his trial. The request was made during the resumed hearing of the seven-count terrorism case the federal government has filed against him.
As his lawyer, Mr Alloy Ejimakor, tried to persuade the court to adjourn the trial on the grounds that his client had been denied the opportunity to prepare his defence, Kanu rose from his seat and ordered him to sit down. “Sit down! I tell you to sit down!” Kanu shouted from the dock.
He then expressed his lack of confidence in the court and asked the judge to recuse herself as she had failed to respect the Supreme Court’s order. Despite objections from the prosecution, Kanu pressed his point, brandishing a copy of what he described as the current Supreme Court judgment.
After the tense exchanges, Justice Nyako said she did not wish to proceed with the case and recused herself, referring the matter back to the Chief Justice. It is worth noting that the court had earlier approved the federal government’s request to shield the identities of witnesses called to testify in the case.
The case raises critical questions about the legitimacy and impartiality of the judiciary and highlights political tensions between the federal government and separatist groups like IPOB. Nnamdi Kanu’s future remains uncertain as the court twists and turns continue and political pressure continues to mount on him.
It is essential that justice is delivered fairly and transparently, respecting the fundamental rights of all citizens, even those accused of serious crimes. The Kanu case highlights the challenges facing the Nigerian justice system and raises broader questions about the state of democracy and the rule of law in the country.
In conclusion, this case must be closely monitored by the international community to ensure that Nnamdi Kanu’s rights are respected and that justice is delivered impartially and fairly. The Nnamdi Kanu case is far from over and its implications could be profound for democracy and respect for human rights in Nigeria.