In a surprising turn of events, detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has received an impromptu notice to appear before the Federal High Court on Monday, February 10, 2025. This development comes despite Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako’s earlier recusal from the case.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to Kanu’s Special Counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, the IPOB leader’s legal team received the unexpected notice after a routine visitation with Kanu. Ejimakor expressed concerns about the sudden development, stating, “We shall appear with a bated breath.”
Kanu’s legal team had previously filed an application to transfer the suit (FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015) from the Abuja Division to any Federal Court Division in the South-East states. The application, dated January 30, 2025, cited Order 49, Rule 3 of Federal High Court Rules 2019 and Section 45 of the Federal High Court Act.
The team argued that Justice Nyako’s recusal on September 24, 2024, rendered her unable to preside over the case. However, the case file was reportedly sent back to Justice Nyako, prompting Kanu’s legal team to protest the decision.
“We are minded to hereby protest sending this case file back to Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako because His Lordship no longer has jurisdiction as he stands recused by virtue of the subsisting Order,” Ejimakor stated.
The legal team emphasized that transferring the case to a Southeast division would be more appropriate, given the alleged offenses’ impact on the region.
As the case unfolds, Kanu’s supporters and legal team remain vigilant, awaiting the outcome of the February 10 court appearance.