Nnamdi Kanu petitions NJC over alleged bias by Justice Nyako

Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has filed a petition against Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja, accusing her of judicial misconduct in handling his case.

The petition, dated January 13, 2024, was addressed to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who also serves as the Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC).

In the complaint, Kanu alleged that Justice Nyako’s actions during his trial had caused him “incalculable and continuing damage,” including a prolonged loss of his liberty.

Justice Nyako is currently overseeing the Federal Government’s seven-count terrorism charges against the IPOB leader.

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The petition, backed by an affidavit signed by Kanu’s brother, Prince Emmanuel Kanu, accuses the judge of several instances of misconduct, including her refusal to reinstate Kanu’s bail. He described this as a violation of constitutional rights.

“Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako currently presides over Court 2 of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division. Her conduct amounts to judicial fraud and non-adherence to the Constitution and established rules of law,” Kanu stated in the petition.

He further argued that the judge’s refusal to act in line with a Supreme Court ruling constitutes a breach of Section 287(1) of the Constitution, which mandates enforcement of the apex court’s decisions.

Kanu accused Justice Nyako of violating his fundamental rights through actions he described as disregarding constitutional provisions and the rule of law.

The petition concluded with Kanu requesting that the NJC take disciplinary action against Justice Nyako, stating, “Wherefore, the complainant prays the Council to discipline Her Lordship, Honourable Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako in accordance with the pertinent rules for disciplining erring judicial officers.”