The Federal High Court in Abuja witnessed a dramatic disruption on Thursday as IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu clashed with the presiding judge, Justice Binta Nyako, prompting her to order his removal from the courtroom.
According to court sources, Kanu repeatedly challenged the authority of the judge, declaring that he no longer recognized her jurisdiction over his ongoing trial. His outbursts escalated to a point where Justice Nyako deemed the situation untenable, stating that the courtroom could no longer maintain decorum.
Following the incident, Justice Nyako recused herself from the case, citing a breakdown of trust and the need for impartiality. The trial, which involves terrorism-related charges, was subsequently adjourned indefinitely.
Kanu has a history of disputing the authority of judges assigned to his case, and prior to the disruption, he had insisted that Justice Nyako should step down permanently. The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court has now reassigned the case to a new judge to ensure proceedings can continue without further interruption.
Legal analysts note that the development highlights the challenges of maintaining courtroom discipline in high-profile cases and underscores the intense public interest surrounding Kanu’s trial.
