Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has received an unexpected summons to appear before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
This development comes despite the prior recusal of Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako from his case, raising questions about the proceedings. Kanu’s Special Counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, revealed this information in a statement released on Friday following a visit by Kanu’s legal team and family.
This summons follows a recent legal maneuver by Kanu’s defense team, led by Ejimakor, who filed a formal application on January 30, 2025, for the transfer of his case (FHC/ABJ/CR/383/2015) from Abuja to a court in the South-East region of Nigeria. The application, grounded in Order 49, Rule 3 of the Federal High Court Rules (2019) and Section 45 of the Federal High Court Act, cites Justice Nyako’s September 24, 2024, decision to recuse herself from the case after Kanu’s oral plea during a public hearing.
The defense team’s argument for relocation stems from Justice Nyako’s withdrawal, suggesting that a change of venue is now necessary. They believe that transferring the case to the South-East region would be more appropriate, considering the circumstances and potentially ensuring a fairer trial.
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The application for transfer is a significant step in their legal strategy.
Ejimakor expressed his concern regarding the sudden court summons, particularly in light of Justice Nyako’s recusal and the pending application for case relocation. He questioned the timing and purpose of this new summons, raising concerns about potential implications for Kanu’s ongoing legal battles. Ejimakor’s statement underscores the complexity and sensitivity of the case.
