posted 12th March 2025
Court Sets Date for Fresh Trial of Nnamdi Kanu
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court (FHC) in Abuja has scheduled 21 March for the fresh trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Mr Kanu, who was controversially repatriated from Kenya to Nigeria in June 2021, is expected to take his plea as proceedings commence anew.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported on Wednesday that the case file was transferred to Justice Omotosho, prompting him to fix the new trial date. The reassignment follows a series of legal manoeuvres, including Mr Kanu's demand for the transfer of the seven-count terrorism charge to another judge, citing concerns of judicial bias.
Previously, Justice Binta Nyako had been presiding over the case. However, on 24 September 2024, she recused herself, stating that she could not continue with proceedings if the defendant lacked confidence in her court. Despite this, the Chief Judge (CJ) of the FHC, Justice John Tsoho, initially returned the case to Justice Nyako, insisting that Mr Kanu’s defence team must formally apply for her recusal.
On 10 February, Mr Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, reiterated that Justice Nyako no longer had jurisdiction over the case after stepping down. This led to the judge adjourning the matter indefinitely. Subsequently, the case was reassigned to Justice Omotosho.
Mr Kanu’s trial has seen multiple judicial reassignments. Before Justice Nyako, both Justice Ahmed Mohammed—who was later elevated to the Court of Appeal—and Justice Tsoho—before his appointment as Chief Judge—had presided over proceedings. However, Mr Kanu’s legal team rejected both judges, leading to continued delays.
With the trial now set to begin afresh on 21 March, all eyes will be on Justice Omotosho’s courtroom as the high-profile case resumes its legal trajectory.
