Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has formally petitioned the National Judicial Council (NJC) against Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court, Abuja, accusing her of judicial bias and misconduct in his ongoing trial.
The petition, dated January 13, 2024, was submitted to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who also chairs the NJC.
Kanu’s legal team claims that Justice Nyako’s handling of his case has caused him significant and continuing harm, including the unlawful deprivation of his liberty.
Justice Nyako is overseeing the terrorism charges filed against Kanu by the Federal Government.
In the petition, Kanu, through an affidavit sworn by his brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, alleges that the judge’s refusal to reinstate his bail, despite a Supreme Court ruling, represents a violation of constitutional rights and judicial misconduct.
He accused Justice Nyako of disregarding legal principles and acting in defiance of the Constitution.
Kanu argues that the judge’s actions violate Section 287(1) of the Constitution, which mandates all authorities and courts to obey Supreme Court rulings.
He has called on the NJC to discipline Justice Nyako for her actions, which he describes as a breach of his fundamental rights and a failure to uphold the rule of law.
