The trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), will start afresh on March 21, 2025, before a new judge at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
It was reported that Justice James Omotosho will preside over the case, replacing Justice Binta Nyako.
Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the development, stating that the legal team is prepared. However, he revealed that they have yet to be served with the specific charges Kanu will face in the new trial.
Kanu has been facing legal proceedings over his push for the actualization of Biafra. In September 2024, he requested Justice Nyako to recuse herself from his case, citing concerns over impartiality. While the judge initially stepped aside, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court rejected her recusal. In December, Justice Nyako indefinitely adjourned the case, prompting Kanu to refuse further court appearances until a new judge was assigned.
Ejimakor described the upcoming trial as a significant turning point.
“It’s now official that Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu shall appear before a new judge on March 21, 2025. It’s a milestone, and we are primed and ready,” he said.
He further noted that the case would start afresh, nullifying all prior proceedings since Kanu’s arrest in 2015, including pending appeals.
“He will be rearraigned on charges that we have not yet seen,” Ejimakor added. “We have received a hearing notice but have not been served with the charges. The government often serves charges a day before or even on the day of the hearing, limiting time for preparation.”
As the trial date approaches, Kanu’s legal team awaits formal notification of the charges, while the case takes a new turn under Justice Omotosho’s oversight.
