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Tag: Nnamdi Kanu

  • Chief Judge reassigns Nnamdi Kanu’s case

    Chief Judge reassigns Nnamdi Kanu’s case

    A lawyer to Nnamdi Kanu, detained leader of the proscribed separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Aloy Ejimakor, said on Saturday that the criminal charge against his client has been reassigned to a new judge.

    Ejimakor, in a statement, said the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, reassigned the case to a new judge following Justice Binta Nyako’s withdrawal.

    The lawyer was however silent on the identity of the new judge.

    The statement reads: “Yesterday, before the legal team conducted our routine visitation to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, we received two separate official letters regarding his case. The letters are momentous and somewhat pyrrhic.

    “One letter was from the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, responding to a recent letter we had written to her, seeking her prompt administrative intervention (as the administrative head of Nigerian judiciary) on the matter of a proper and lawful reassignment of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case, following the recusal of the Judge that was conducting it.

    “The other letter was from the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, informing us that the case has been reassigned to another Judge of the Federal High Court.

    “Consequent upon these latest developments, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu instructed the legal team to publicly convey his sincere gratitude to the Chief Justice of Nigeria for her sound administrative discretions and the despatch with which she responded to our request.

    “He also expressed his profound appreciations to members of the general public who publicly expressed their support to our righteous demands that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case be reassigned to another Judge, as the law demands.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Nnamdi Kanu’s case reassigned to new Judge

    “To be sure, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has always been ready to take his trial because he is firmly convinced of his innocence.

    “But the perverse events of the past six months (from September 2024, when the recusal happened) posed portent dangers to his constitutional rights, particularly his right to fair and speedy hearing.

    “It was in view of these untoward developments that we were propelled to resort to taking extraordinary measures to ensure that his case is properly reassigned and conducted in accordance with the law.

    “So, now that the first steps have been taken by the authorities to do the lawful thing, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and his legal team shall take stock and hanker down to the zealous preparation of his defence.”

  • JUST IN: Nnamdi Kanu’s case reassigned to new Judge

    JUST IN: Nnamdi Kanu’s case reassigned to new Judge

    The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice John Tsoho, has reassigned the case of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, to a different judge.

    Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, disclosed this development in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

    Kanu had previously requested that Justice Binta Nyako recuse herself from presiding over the seven-count terrorism charge brought against him by the Federal Government. 

    While Justice Nyako stepped down and transferred the case file back to the Chief Judge for reassignment, the file was later returned to her—a move that Kanu strongly opposed.

    On February 20, Kanu’s legal team wrote to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, seeking her intervention.

    Ejimakor revealed that on Friday, March 7, the legal team received two official letters regarding Kanu’s case—one from the Chief Justice of Nigeria and another from the Chief Judge.

    “Yesterday, before the legal team conducted our routine visitation to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, we received two separate official letters regarding his case. The letters are momentous and somewhat pyrrhic.

    “One letter was from the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, responding to a recent letter we had written to her, seeking her prompt administrative intervention (as the administrative head of the Nigerian judiciary) on the matter of a proper and lawful reassignment of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case, following the recusal of the judge that was conducting it.

    “The other letter was from the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, informing us that the case has been reassigned to another judge of the Federal High Court,” the statement read.

    Upon receiving the letters, Ejimakor noted that Kanu instructed his legal team to publicly express “sincere gratitude to the CJN for her sound administrative discretion and the promptness with which she responded to their request.”

    Read Also: Biafra agitation beyond Nnamdi Kanu, says Otti 

    “He also expressed his profound appreciation to members of the general public who publicly supported our righteous demands that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case be reassigned to another judge, as the law demands.

    “To be clear, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has always been ready to stand trial because he is firmly convinced of his innocence. However, the perverse events of the past six months (from September 2024, when the recusal happened) posed significant dangers to his constitutional rights, particularly his right to a fair and speedy hearing. It was in light of this that we resorted to taking extraordinary measures to ensure that his case is properly reassigned and conducted by the law.

    “Now that the authorities have taken the initial steps to uphold the law, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and his legal team will take stock and focus on zealous preparation for his defence,” Ejimakor stated.

  • Nnamdi Kanu’s fulminations

    Nnamdi Kanu’s fulminations

    Last Monday, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, put up a spectacular show at the Federal High Court in Abuja as he fulminated against nearly everyone, judge and advocates alike. He spoke as one who knew the law more than anyone else, and insulted and dismissed experienced and elderly lawyers as legal ignoramuses. To make the simple point that he would not be tried by the recused Judge, Binta Nyako, he embarked on prolonged legal histrionics that kept the court enthralled for many minutes. During his eruptions, he hesitated between insulting the trial judge and respecting her. He, however, reserved the full length of his tongue for the prosecutors whom he chastised as morons.

    Unused to being interrupted when he was in full flight, as his own lawyers were chitchatting beside him, he poked a finger at the chest of one of his counsels, almost as if prodding some sense out of him, and slapped another in the back, reproving him for talking when the imperial Mr Kanu was gyrating in legalese. There is nothing to suggest that Mr Kanu is not deploying extensive melodrama to prolong his trial until everyone gets tired of the whole thing and in exasperation release him like they let go the equally dramatic Omoyele Sowore after they tired of his antics. It may work, but the credit and honour will not go to the government if they don’t release him before then.

    Read Also: Investors to explore Nigeria’s multibillion agrofood, packaging sector

    Mr Kanu is not as dangerous as the charges against him suggest. He is full of too much bombast. If allowed to give full rein to his displays, the booboisie he claims to lead will sooner or later get tired of his buffooneries. If the government is wise, they should prise tough pledges from the political and traditional leaders of the Southeast and release the IPOB leader into their care. Mr Kanu will find that ‘freedom’ more restricting and suffocating than the comical trial he is undergoing. If the public didn’t see through his court drama, if indeed he was serious about his cathartic eruptions, Nigerians would be worried about his tragic and dysfunctional personality. Alas, for the IPOB leader, the whole gay drama aligns with his pecuniary interest and farcical cause.

  • UPDATED: Court adjourns Nnamdi Kanu’s treason trial indefinitely 

    UPDATED: Court adjourns Nnamdi Kanu’s treason trial indefinitely 

    …IPOB’s leader rejects judge

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has adjourned indefinitely further proceedings in the treason trial of self acclaimed leader of the proscrubed separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

    Justice Binta Nyako took the decision in a ruling on Monday after Kanu disrupted proceedings and questioned the judge’s jurisdiction to further preside over his trial.

    At the commencement of proceedings, prosecuting lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) said the prosecution filed and served all necessary documents and was ready to proceed with the trial.

    Responding, defence lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor said the issue before the court was not about proceeding with the trial.

    At that point, Justice Nyako intervened and said although she had earlier recused herself from the case, the court’s Chief Judge turned down her decision to withdraw from the case, and directed that defendant file a formal motion asking for the reassignment of the case to another judge.

    Read Also; NDLEA declares four wanted over cocaine shipments to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, others

    While Awomolo and Ejimakor were arguing on whether or not a formal motion was necessary, as directed by the Chief Judge, Kanu, who had sat quietly in the dock, suddenly interjected, and demanded to be allowed to speak.

    When asked by Justice Nyako whether it was his intention to take over the conduct of his case from his lawyer, Kanu said: “Yes, I want to take over.”

    The defendant proceeded to say that he only agreed to attend court because of the respect he has for the court.

    He argued that Justice Nyako no longer has the jurisdiction to preside over his trial since she earlier refused herself from the case in September last year.

    Kanu then, turned to the prosecuting lawyer and insulted him, saying: “A grown-up man like you, who should be in the village and, who should be making sure that things are done properly is here subverting the law.”

    He then returned his attention to to the judge and said: “I don’t recognise the authority of this court to preside over my case. 

    “Everything you (the judge) said here is meaningless to me. Why is it that when it comes to my case, everything is turned upside-down?”

    Kanu argued that the memo, which was sent by the Chief Judge, returning the case file back to Justice Nyako to continue to handle the case, cannot override the enrolled order of the court made on September 24 (with which Justice Nyako recused herself from the case.)

    When told by Justice Nyako that he was at liberty to appeal the directive of the Chief Judge, Kanu said: “If the Chief Judge disagrees, he should appeal the decision”.

    “You cannot preside over this case, not now, not today, not ever. You stand recused and you must leave my case. I don’t need you in my case. 

    “You are biased. Tell the Chief Judge that Nnamdi Kanu said so.

    This is not a court of law. This is a shrine to injustice and i will not subject myself to it,” Kanu said.

    In his further contribution, Awomolo asked the court to fix a date for trial, adding that “in view of the fact that the defendant has indicated that he will not make a formal application, I apply that your lordship gives us a definite date be fixed for trial.”

    Before the prosecuting lawyer could conclude his submission, Kanu said: “Because of money they are paying you from the AGF’s office, a grown-up man like you is here supporting evil. The rule of law says you should go on appeal.

    “The same Chief Judge, writing this stupid memo, I have recused him before. He sat on appeal, I took him to NJC and recused him. 

    “Why is he insisting on this one? He wants to embarrass your lordship by asking her to sit on this case,” Kanu said.

    Ruling, Justice Nyako said: “The only decision I can make right now is that in the light of what is happening now in court, I am going to adjourn this case sine die (indefinitely).”

    Reacting to the judge’s pronouncement, Kanu again, said: “You have no jurisdiction to adjourn anything. None whatsoever. 

    “You cannot make an order without jurisdiction. The memo from the Chief Judge cannot confer jurisdiction upon you.”

  • BREAKING: Justice Nyako resumes Nnamdi Kanu’s trial amid recusal dispute

    BREAKING: Justice Nyako resumes Nnamdi Kanu’s trial amid recusal dispute

    The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), resumed on Monday before Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court. This comes after a dispute over her earlier decision to recuse herself from the case.

    Kanu’s trial was initially stalled on September 24, 2024, when Justice Nyako recused herself following the IPOB leader’s direct declaration of lost confidence in her handling of the case.

    However, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho, returned the case file to Justice Nyako, stating that Kanu’s request must be made formally through a motion on notice.

    Read Also: Deputy Speaker begs Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu

    During Monday’s proceedings, Justice Nyako reiterated that her recusal had not been formally accepted by the Chief Judge.

    She advised Kanu’s defence team, led by Aloy Ejimakor, to submit a written application if they still sought her withdrawal.

    Details shortly…

  • Deputy Speaker begs Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu

    Deputy Speaker begs Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu

    Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to apply his power of prerogative of mercy and tamper justice with mercy for the release of the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, from detention. 

    Kalu made the appeal while addressing reporters after the inaugural meeting of the House of Representatives committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC) at the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Wednesday.

    The Deputy Speaker applauded the President for his continuous and tremendous support and commitment towards peace, development and stability of the South-East region.

    According to him, since assuming office, President Tinubu has proven his love for the South-Easterners through his speedy assent to the South East Development Commission Bill which failed in previous assemblies.

    The Deputy Speaker suggested the adoption of political approach in resolving the crisis in the region rather than the current legal option, adding that the people of the region will be eternally grateful to the President if that becomes a reality. 

    While expressing optimism that the President will heed to their appeal, he said when Kanu is released insecurity in the region will be reduced and as well spring up development that the SEDC is going to bring.

    He said: “Only President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was able to put his feet down to say that the South East remains parts and parcel of Nigeria. It failed in previous assemblies but when it got to him, he assented to it. 

    “We are very happy because we know that certain areas of our problems in the region will be prioritised such as agriculture,  energy, power, infrastructure, technology we are very innovative people. 

    “All we need is the support of government to project the innovative mindedness of the young folks in that region to benefit the entire federation. The next one is the creative industry, how do we look at that, sports, entertainment, to take it from where it is to where it ought to be. 

    “In agriculture the whole nine yards, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda on Food Security, that’s what we are looking at. What’s happening with these talents, can’t we have something like silicon valley in the east? We can call it eastern valley, a hub where you creative minds will come together. 

    Read Also: Nigerians will have final say on abolition of death penalty, says Reps Deputy Speaker

    “These are areas we are looking at, with a lot of technology in place, development will spring up. We are thankful to Mr President for doing this for the South-East, you know insecurity is a major concern in the area. You can’t have development in midst of insecurity. 

    “That’s why we started what we call peace in South-East project supported by the parliament. But in doing so we noticed that the insecurity there will be reduced if Nnamdi Kanu is released. We want Nnamdi Kanu to be released because we know it will give our people more security. 

    “Those who are using him as excuses to perpetrate all these criminal actions around our area will have no other reason to be on the street. Then the police and security agencies will catch anyone who claims Nnamdi Kanu is the reason for causing harm to the people of South-East. 

    “So, we are begging, you can’t coarse the President, he’s the Commander in Chief. All we are saying is use political approach not the legal approach. We are appealing to him to temper justice with mercy and release Nnamdi Kanu to southeast people. It will ensure more security for our people and spring up development that this SEDC is going to bring.”

  • Kanu’s release key to peace, development in Southeast, says SEDC

    Kanu’s release key to peace, development in Southeast, says SEDC

    Members of the House of Representatives Committee on South East Development Commission (SEDC) yesterday identified the release of Nnamdi Kanu as critical to peace in Southeast and the development of the region.

    They urged President Bola Tinubu to consider the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for lasting peace in the Southeast.

    Speaking at the Committee’s inaugural meeting in Abuja yesterday, its Chairman Chris Nkwonta emphasised that the security situation in the Southeast remains a major concern and must be addressed for any meaningful progress to take place.

    He acknowledged that the continued incarceration of the Biafra agitator has fueled tensions, deepened grievances, and hindered stability in the region.

    Nkwonta said: “Given the region’s security concerns, the Committee and other well-meaning Nigerians appeal to the President to facilitate the release of Nnamdi Kanu as a step towards lasting peace and development in the Southeast.”

    He noted that the SEDC was created to bridge developmental gaps in the region and that sustainable development could only be achieved in an atmosphere of peace and inclusivity.

    Nkwonta linked the establishment of the SEDC to the broader national effort of Reintegration, Reconstruction, and Reconciliation (RRR) initiated by the Federal Government to heal the wounds of the past, particularly in the aftermath of the Civil War.

    He commended President Tinubu for assenting to the bill establishing the Commission but stressed that genuine reconciliation must also address the lingering issues of marginalization and political grievances in the Southeast.

    He added: “The establishment of the SEDC, 54 years after the civil war, is a monumental achievement. However, true reconciliation requires more than infrastructural development – it demands addressing historical grievances and ensuring justice for all.”

    Read Also: Arthur Eze: Igbo leaders will beg Tinubu to forgive, release Nnamdi Kanu

    The committee chairman pointed out that while the Southeast is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and resilience, the region continues to face serious developmental and security challenges, including infrastructural decay, economic underdevelopment, poor healthcare services, human capital flight and escalating insecurity.

     The SEDC panel chair argued that the Kanu’ detention as a flashpoint for unrest in the region, has been discouraging investments and slowing down development.

    He called on the Federal Government to take bold steps toward national unity by embracing dialogue rather than prolonged detention and legal battles.

  • Arthur Eze: Igbo leaders will beg Tinubu to forgive, release Nnamdi Kanu

    Arthur Eze: Igbo leaders will beg Tinubu to forgive, release Nnamdi Kanu

    Nigerian business mogul and philanthropist, Prince Arthur Eze, has expressed optimism that Igbo leaders will appeal to President Bola Tinubu to forgive and release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

    Eze, the Chief Executive Officer of Atlas Oranto Petroleum, made this known while addressing journalists in Enugu. He absolved President Tinubu of any role in Kanu’s detention, emphasizing that the ordeal occurred under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

    “Nnamdi Kanu was detained by Buhari, not Tinubu. Buhari is a hardliner. But we shall beg Tinubu to forgive him. He has the spirit of forgiveness. He has no enemy,” Eze said.

    Read Also; Tinubu mourns passing of House Deputy Chief Whip Onanuga

    Addressing youths advocating for war due to national issues, Prince Eze urged caution and recounted his personal experiences during the Nigerian Civil War. 

    “They don’t know anything about the war. I was a refugee for three years with my father. I lost seven of my brothers on the battlefield. Those talking about war don’t know anything. My brother, who is the Igwe now, had a bullet in his heart. He was the brigade commander in Arochukwu,” he said.

    “All these people running about don’t know what it means to fight a war. I was here when Ojukwu declared the Republic of Biafra. They don’t know what war is. It (Kanu’s detention) is not Tinubu’s fault, but Buhari’s fault. But we shall beg Tinubu to forgive. So I appeal to them to exercise patience and continue to cooperate with the government.”

  • I am hopeful Tinubu will release Nnamdi Kanu, says Abaribe

    I am hopeful Tinubu will release Nnamdi Kanu, says Abaribe

    …endorses Govt. Otti’s Second Term

    The Senator representing Abia South Senatorial District, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, has expressed optimism that President Bola Tinubu would facilitate the release of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

    Abaribe, while fielding questions from journalists after visiting the governor of the state, Dr Alex Otti, in the company of his wife, described President Tinubu as a listening leader, expressing hope that he would heed the advice of the Attorney General of the Federation and others who are advising and appealing for Nnamdi Kanu’s release.

    “I expect that the President will listen to both his Attorney General and every one of us who have been agitating that the issues in the Southeast; first of all the insurgency, the sit-at-home on Mondays and every other thing we have noticed in the Southeast, what we now know in the Southeast is that criminals and all other people who advocate violence have taken over and using the name Nnamdi Kanu to perpetuate all these their despicable acts.

    “We know that the President, being a listening President, will also look at all the issues involved which we have presented to him from various mediums and that he will do the needful and release Nnamdi Kanu so that it will put a stop to all these things that are happening in the Southeast and bring back the Southeast as the hub of production in Nigeria”,

    “The President wants to pass a tax bill that has to do with production. You cannot tax people who don’t produce. So he needs Nnamdi Kanu out so that all those things that are holding us down in the Southeast, that have made us not produce as much as we ought to produce, will not be there.

    “So, we continue to call on President Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu and we are ready and willing to be guarantors for him to be released so that we can have life coming back into the Southeast and take it away from the criminals, kidnappers, the cultists and dangerous elements that are floating around us who have made it a point that they would perpetrate violence, do criminal activities and use Nnamdi Kanu’s name as their reason”, Senator Abiriba Stated.

    Read Also: Imo monarch urges Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu as Christmas gift

    On his visit to Gov. Otti who is not a member of his political party, Senator Abaribe said, Senator Abaribe, who is also the Chairman of the Southeast Senators Forum, said that they spent quite a lot of time discussing issues of governance in the state and what they at the National Assembly could do to help the Governor achieve more for the State.

    He also said that they discussed matters concerning the Southeast, including President Tinubu’s proposed tax reforms, which he said he will relate to his colleagues when he gets back to Abuja and see how it will help the Southeast.

    Senator Abaribe said that their concern is the development of the Southeast and to ensure that the Southeast is not left behind while the rest of Nigeria is moving on.

    “Even though my party is APGA and his party is Labour, we feel that we have gone beyond party, and we are now at the point of Governance. So, I came to encourage him, he’s done so well and we wanted to make sure that we continue to inspire him to do much more for the people of Abia.

    “Let me say this, I come from Aba; he has done tremendously well in Infrastructure, the whole infrastructure in Aba. I have driven around, I have seen everything.

    “All I want to do is to continue to encourage him to continue in the path that he has chosen. We also agreed that we are going to come around to commission some of the projects that he has done in and around my Senatorial Zone.

    “I think the second tenure is still very far away but I do not see any stumbling block on the way if we go by what he has done at this point”, Senator Abaribe declared.

    He also commended President Tinubu for promising to do the rail lines and other infrastructure within the Southeast during his visit to Enugu State over the weekend.

    On President Tinubu’s Tax Reform bill before the National Assembly, Senator Abaribe said, “We have a position of the South East that we will have to continue to negotiate and debate and that we do not want it to be passed in a hurry because it is something that will affect future generations”.

    “The Southeast Senators Forum took a position just like the Governors and other people to do further negotiations and so, we believe that we are going to do this further negotiations”, Senator Abaribe concluded.

  • Imo monarch urges Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu as Christmas gift

    Imo monarch urges Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu as Christmas gift

    A prominent traditional ruler in Imo State, HRM Eze Sheikh Abdulfatah F. Chimeze Emetumah, has called on President Bola Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu as a Christmas gesture to the Igbo people.

    Eze Emetumah, the monarch of the Ancient Umuofor Autonomous Community in Oguta Local Government Area, made this appeal while receiving the Leadership Luminary Award from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) in Owerri.

    “I appeal to President Tinubu to consider the pleas of notable Nigerians and release Nnamdi Kanu as a Christmas gift to Ndi Igbo,” he said.

    The traditional ruler also commended Governor Hope Uzodimma for his strides in road infrastructure and the welfare of civil servants in Imo State.

     “I felicitate with the Governor on his birthday and pray that God continues to guide him and the people of Imo State,” he added.

    The Deputy Chairman of Oguta LGA Council of Traditional Rulers also urged members of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations to continue working with the Governor and the government of Imo State to promote peace and harmonious relationships.

    It would be recalled that Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-political group in Igbo land, made a similar call on President Tinubu to release Nnamdi Kanu as a Christmas gift to the Southeast.