Nnamdi Kanu Accuses Judge of Bias in Terrorism Trial, Demands Recusal

In the ensuing chaos, Kanu demanded that Justice Nyako recuse herself, stating that he no longer trusted her to handle the case impartially. He continued to assert his mistrust, commanding Ejimakor to sit down and stop speaking.

Kanu raised his voice in protest, addressing the judge directly, and said: "I do not have confidence in this your court. I do not trust you. I demand that you immediately recuse yourself from this matter. The Federal Government of Nigeria has no jurisdiction to prefer terrorism charges against me."

He accused Justice Nyako of being biased and alleged that the Nigerian government lacked the legal right to file charges against him, claiming the acts he was accused of were committed in the United Kingdom.

Kanu's outburst also targeted the Federal Government's lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, accusing him of acting unlawfully in accordance with the government's wishes.

Amid the tumult, Awomolo requested permission to summon his first witness, insisting the witness remain hidden for security reasons.

Kanu's lawyer, Ejimakor, objected to the trial proceeding, claiming that Kanu had not been adequately prepared. He stated that the room provided for client-attorney meetings was unclean and lacked privacy, and alleged that a foreign worker hired to clean the room was denied access by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Ejimakor further argued that they had filed three appeals against previous rulings, with the third appeal still pending, and insisted that the trial be postponed until the Court of Appeal ruled on those matters. His request was denied, however, citing the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which did not authorize such a postponement.

Kanu remains in DSS custody, awaiting the assignment of a new judge by the Chief Judge.