Bifra: Nnamdi Kanu’s trial resumes as case restarts before new Judge

The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, was re-arraigned on Friday before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

His trial commenced afresh following the reassignment of his case to Justice Omotosho. Kanu pleaded not guilty to a seven-count charge filed against him by the Federal Government, which included allegations of terrorism and treasonable felony.

Previously, Justice Binta Nyako handled the case but recused herself after Kanu accused her of bias. She had earlier adjourned the trial indefinitely until the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, reassigned the case to Justice Omotosho, leading to Kanu’s fresh plea.

During the proceedings, Kanu, now represented by former Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Kanu Agabi, SAN, apologized to Justice Nyako and the prosecution counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, for his courtroom outburst on February 10 when the trial was put on hold indefinitely.

Kanu was first arrested in Lagos on October 14, 2015, upon his return from the United Kingdom. After spending 18 months in detention, he was granted bail on health grounds on April 25, 2017, and released from Kuje Prison three days later. However, he fled the country following a military raid on his home in Afara Ukwu Ibeku, Umuahia, Abia State, an operation that resulted in casualties among his followers.

Security operatives re-arrested him in Kenya on June 19, 2021, and extradited him to Nigeria on June 27, 2021. He has remained in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 29, 2021.

On April 8, 2022, the trial court dismissed eight out of the 15 charges against him for lack of merit. The Court of Appeal in Abuja later quashed the remaining charges on October 13, 2022, and ordered Kanu’s immediate release. However, the Federal Government challenged the ruling at the Supreme Court and secured a stay of execution pending appeal.

On December 15, 2023, the Supreme Court overturned the appellate court’s decision, ruling that the Federal Government could proceed with Kanu’s prosecution on the remaining seven charges.