Nnamdi Kanu Not Dodging Trial, Will Challenge Bias in Court – Lawyer

Aloy Ejimakor, lead counsel to Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has stated that his client is not avoiding trial but will challenge any court that fails to uphold the rule of law.

Ejimakor made this known in a statement following a routine meeting between Kanu and his legal team at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility in Abuja.

He emphasized that Kanu would no longer tolerate institutional bias against him in court proceedings.

“During our visitation today, ONYENDU Mazi Nnamdi Kanu instructed us to convey to the civilised world his resolve to take his trial, insofar as it comports with the tenets of the law.

He made it clear that the era of institutional bias against him by Abuja courts is over in his case,” Ejimakor stated.

He argued that most of the judicial decisions on Kanu’s case in Abuja have been unconstitutional, violating Section 36 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees an independent and impartial court.

Ejimakor also referenced the Supreme Court’s finding that Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako exhibited bias by revoking Kanu’s bail. He insisted that her refusal to reinstate the bail was a dishonor to the Supreme Court’s ruling and should disqualify her from handling the case.

“In the circumstances, therefore, and especially consequent upon her recusal, Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako should no longer have any business with Mazi Kanu’s case,” Ejimakor asserted.

He further condemned the reassignment of Kanu’s case to Justice Nyako by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, describing it as a violation of judicial procedures.

“For the foregoing reasons, the entire proceedings conducted on 10 February 2025 before Justice Binta Nyako’s court have no foundation in law or reason, and the same applies to any ruling purportedly made that day,” he said.

Ejimakor dismissed reports suggesting that Kanu’s case has been adjourned indefinitely, maintaining that a recused judge loses jurisdiction over a case and cannot preside over further proceedings.

“That is what the black-letter law says, and it shall abide, now and forever,” he concluded.