By Capital watch Media
The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, is set to begin afresh on March 21, 2025 before a newly assigned judge at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Kanu will appear before Justice James Omotosho following the decision to transfer the case after a series of legal challenges and adjournments.
Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the development, stating that the legal team is prepared for the fresh proceedings.
“It’s now official that Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu shall appear before a new judge on 21 March 2025. It’s a milestone, and we are primed and ready,” Ejimakor told newsmen.
Despite the announcement, Ejimakor revealed that the defence team has yet to be served with the specific charges Kanu will face when the case resumes.
“We have received a hearing notice but no charges have been sent to us. We really don’t know the charges we are facing on 21 March,” Ejimakor stated.
Kanu has been facing legal action for his push for the actualisation of Biafra, a movement that has sparked controversy and unrest in parts of southeastern Nigeria.
In September 2024, Kanu requested Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja to recuse herself from the case, citing concerns over impartiality.
Although Justice Nyako initially stepped down, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court rejected her decision, complicating the trial’s progress.
By December 2024, Justice Nyako indefinitely adjourned the case, leading to further delays in legal proceedings.
Frustrated by the adjournment and the perceived lack of fairness, Kanu vowed not to appear in court again until a new judge was appointed.
Justice Omotosho’s appointment is expected to restart the entire trial process from the beginning, nullifying previous hearings and rulings.
“The case will start anew like it has never held before. Everything from 2015 when he was arrested to the last appearance before Justice Nyako is gone — including the pending appeals, Ejimakor explained.
The defence expressed concern over the government’s handling of legal documents, suggesting they may face challenges preparing for trial.
“The government has a trick they always do. They serve you the charges a day before the hearing, giving you no time to study them,” Ejimakor claimed.
“Sometimes they serve you while you are in court, but the charges would have been in the court registry long before,” he added.
Kanu’s legal troubles began in 2015 following his arrest on allegations of treason and incitement, linked to his call for the secession of Biafra from Nigeria.
The IPOB leader’s case has drawn national and international attention, with human rights groups closely monitoring proceedings.
Justice Omotosho’s court, designated as Court 7 at the Federal High Court in Abuja, will take over the high-profile case.
The trial’s restart is expected to reset all previously filed motions and evidence, requiring both prosecution and defence to re-present their cases.
With the trial’s resumption, security is likely to be heightened in and around the court premises due to the sensitivity of the case.
As March 21 approaches, Kanu’s supporters and legal team await the formal presentation of charges and the court’s subsequent proceedings.
The Federal Government has yet to comment on the fresh start of the case and the potential charges that Kanu will face.
