Nnamdi Kanu to Defend Himself in Court as Trial Resumes — Family
The family of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has announced that Kanu will represent himself in court when his trial resumes on March 21, 2025. The decision, revealed in a press statement issued by Kanu’s younger brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, underscores the IPOB leader’s determination to seek justice amid what the family describes as systemic legal obstacles that have stalled his case.
Kanu’s trial has been reassigned to Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja after Justice Binta Nyako, who previously presided over the case, recused herself. Justice Nyako’s attempt to continue with the trial despite her earlier recusal was met with strong opposition from Kanu during his last court appearance.
Background of the Case
Nnamdi Kanu has been in solitary confinement at the Abuja headquarters of the Department of State Services (DSS) since June 2021, when he was allegedly abducted and extraordinarily renditioned from Kenya. His trial has been a focal point of controversy, with his supporters and family accusing the Nigerian government of bias and judicial misconduct.
The family’s statement, made available to Vanguard in Umuahia, highlights Kanu’s decision to defend himself as a strategic move to challenge the perceived injustices in the Nigerian judiciary. According to the statement, Kanu’s self-representation aims to dismantle the “usual, ‘as my lord pleases’ constraints” that have historically allowed courts to subvert justice under the guise of judicial deference.
Family’s Statement on Self-Representation
The statement reads in part: “On Friday, 21 March 2025, when the trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu resumes before Justice James Omotosho at the Federal High Court Abuja, he would be taking the bold step of defending himself in court. This development signals a critical juncture in this case that has already exposed deep-seated concerns about the Nigerian judiciary’s handling of matters tied to the legitimate agitation for Biafra self-determination.”
The family further criticized the handling of Kanu’s case, accusing the federal government of prejudice and unfairness. “The handling of this case by the federal government has been marred by prejudice and unfairness from day one. Onyendu’s shift to self-defense underscores our distrust in a system perceived to be stacked against us and the cause he champions,” the statement added.
Implications for the Judiciary
Kanu’s decision to represent himself places significant pressure on Justice Omotosho to ensure a fair trial. The family emphasized that the world is watching and that any failure to uphold the principles of justice and the rule of law would further erode confidence in Nigeria’s judiciary.
“The world is watching. Any failure by Justice Omotosho to ensure justice is not only done but seen to be done will further erode confidence in a judiciary already criticized for its selective application of the law. The stakes could not be higher, and the implications of this trial extend far beyond the courtroom,” the statement concluded.
Criticism of Justice Nyako’s Conduct
The family also criticized Justice Binta Nyako, accusing her of defying the Supreme Court’s judgment and attempting to convict Kanu for exercising a right protected under Nigerian law. “She was hell-bent on convicting a person for exercising a right that the laws of Nigeria stated unambiguously that he could,” the statement said.
Broader Implications for Biafra Agitation
Kanu’s trial is deeply intertwined with the broader agitation for Biafra self-determination, a movement that has faced significant opposition from the Nigerian government. The case has drawn international attention, with human rights organizations and foreign governments calling for due process and respect for Kanu’s rights.
The decision to self-represent is seen as a bold move to challenge the legal system and highlight the perceived injustices faced by Kanu and the Biafra movement. It also reflects the family’s lack of faith in the judiciary’s ability to deliver a fair and impartial verdict.
Next Steps
As the trial resumes, all eyes will be on Justice Omotosho and the Federal High Court in Abuja. Kanu’s self-representation is expected to bring a new dynamic to the proceedings, with the IPOB leader directly confronting the legal system he has long accused of bias.
The outcome of the trial could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s judiciary, the Biafra agitation movement, and the broader discourse on human rights and self-determination in the country.
