During the resumed hearing in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, at the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice Binta Nyako announced her decision to recuse herself from the trial.
The term "recuse" refers to a judge's refusal to preside over a case due to a conflict of interest or other valid reasons, as outlined in the Law.com dictionary. This action can also be taken in response to a request from one of the involved parties or as a result of a judge or prosecutor being removed.
Justice Nyako's decision to recuse herself came after Kanu openly requested the trial judge to step aside, citing her alleged refusal to comply with the orders of the Supreme Court. Kanu, who faces a seven-count charge related to terrorism, expressed a loss of confidence in the court and urged the trial judge to recuse herself from his case.
In response, Justice Nyako expressed her willingness to comply with Kanu's request. She stated her intention to return Kanu's case file to the chief judge for reassignment. Despite attempts by the prosecution counsel to persuade Justice Nyako to proceed with the trial, she affirmed her decision to recuse herself from the case.
During the proceedings, Kanu directed his counsel to sit down while attempting to argue for the suspension of the trial, alleging that he was denied the opportunity to prepare his defense. Kanu's outburst and loss of confidence in the court prompted Justice Nyako to recuse herself and refer the case back to the Chief Judge.