The leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has once again challenged the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court in Abuja over his ongoing trial, resulting in an indefinite adjournment of the case by Justice Binta Nyako on Monday, February 10, 2025.

At the resumed hearing, Kanu, who has been in detention since June 2021 after his controversial extradition from Kenya, openly expressed his lack of confidence in the court's ability to deliver fair judgment. He insisted that the presiding judge, Justice Nyako, had previously recused herself from his case and questioned why she was still handling the matter.

"I do not recognize this court’s authority over me," Kanu declared, addressing the judge. "Justice Nyako had already stepped away from this case, so why am I here?"

His remarks reignited discussions about the legitimacy of the trial, as his legal team has long argued that his extraordinary rendition from Kenya was illegal and that the Nigerian government lacks the authority to prosecute him.

Legal Dispute Over Jurisdiction

Justice Nyako had originally recused herself from Kanu’s trial in September 2024 after he personally requested her withdrawal, citing bias. However, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, later returned the case to her, instructing Kanu’s legal team to submit a formal application if they wished to challenge her continued involvement.

Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, maintained that his client could not be tried by the court due to the illegal nature of his extradition and further demanded that the case be transferred to a Federal High Court in the South-East if no Abuja judge was willing to step aside. However, this request was denied.

During Monday’s proceedings, the prosecution team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Adegboyega Awomolo, pushed for the trial to continue, asserting that they were fully prepared to present witnesses and evidence against the IPOB leader.

"Our witnesses are prepared, and we request a definite date for trial," Awomolo argued.

Indefinite Adjournment Leaves Kanu’s Fate Uncertain

Despite the prosecution’s insistence, Justice Nyako ruled that the case be adjourned indefinitely, citing the unresolved dispute over jurisdiction and Kanu’s continued defiance of the court’s authority. This ruling effectively leaves his legal battle in limbo, with no clear timeline for the resumption of the trial.

The decision has sparked renewed concerns among Kanu’s supporters, who have long accused the Nigerian government of using judicial delays as a tactic to suppress the Biafra movement.

For now, the IPOB leader remains in detention, awaiting further legal developments that will determine the next phase of his trial.