The legal team of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has accused the Nigerian government and judiciary of deliberately delaying Kanu’s trial.
The lawyers claimed that the trial has been stalled due to the judiciary’s failure to reassign the case to another judge after Justice Binta Nyako recused herself on September 24, 2024.
Kanu’s case has been ongoing for several years, with the IPOB leader facing charges of treasonable felony, publication of defamatory matters, and improper importation of goods into Nigeria.
Kanu’s trial, despite being granted bail in 2017, has been marred by delays and controversies.
The IPOB lawyers argued that the delay in Kanu’s trial is a deliberate attempt by the Nigerian government and judiciary to keep him in detention indefinitely.
They pointed out that Kanu has written to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court requesting the reassignment of his case, but no action has been taken.
This development comes amid concerns about the independence and impartiality of the Nigerian judiciary.
The IPOB leadership has withdrawn its interest in the Nigerian judiciary, citing a lack of confidence in the fairness and impartiality of the judicial process.