“This Is Not a Court of Law—It’s a Shrine to Injustice!” – Nnamdi Kanu’s Fiery Showdown with Justice Nyako
The atmosphere in the courtroom was electric as Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), stood his ground against Justice Binta Nyako, questioning the court’s authority over his case.
It all began when Kanu, determined to take control of his defense, declared:
“I want to speak.”
Justice Nyako, taken aback, asked, “Do you want to take over from your lawyer?”
Without hesitation, Kanu responded:
“Yes, I want to take over.”
“You No Longer Have Jurisdiction Over My Case”
Kanu wasted no time in making his stance clear:
“I am here because I respect the judiciary, but this judge lost the jurisdiction to preside over my case after recusing herself in September.”
He turned to the prosecuting counsel and did not hold back:
“A grown-up man like you, who should be in the village ensuring things are done properly, is here subverting the law.”
The courtroom remained tense as Kanu continued:
“I do not recognize this court’s authority over my case. Everything being said here is meaningless to me. Why is it that when it comes to my case, everything is turned upside down? The chief judge’s memo cannot override the court’s enrolled order from September.”
Justice Nyako, maintaining her composure, told Kanu:
“You are at liberty to appeal the directive of the chief judge.”
“You Are Recused—You Cannot Sit on My Case!”
Unmoved by the judge’s response, Kanu fired back:
“If the chief judge disagrees, he should appeal the decision. But you cannot preside over this case—not today, not ever. You have been recused, and you must leave my case. I do not need you here. You are biased. Tell the chief judge that Nnamdi Kanu said so.”
Then, in words that echoed across the courtroom, he declared:
“This is not a court of law—it is a shrine to injustice, and I will not subject myself to it!”
Despite the intensity, the prosecuting counsel pushed for proceedings to continue, saying:
“In view of the defendant’s refusal to make a formal application, I request a definite trial date.”
But Kanu was not done yet. He turned his gaze to the counsel and accused him of compromising justice:
“Because of the money you are receiving from the AGF’s office, a grown man like you is here supporting evil. The rule of law says you should go on appeal!”
Then, taking aim at the chief judge, he added:
“The same chief judge who wrote this ridiculous memo—I have had him recused before. He sat on appeal, I took him to the NJC, and he was recused. Why is he insisting on this case? He wants to embarrass Your Lordship by forcing you to sit on this matter.”
Judge Adjourns Case Indefinitely—But Kanu Stands His Ground
After the heated exchanges, Justice Nyako made her decision:
“In light of what is happening in this courtroom, I am adjourning this case sine die (indefinitely).”
But Kanu was quick to respond, refusing to let the final word belong to the judge:
“You have no jurisdiction to adjourn anything. None whatsoever. You cannot make an order without jurisdiction. The chief judge’s memo cannot confer jurisdiction upon you!”
For five whole minutes, the courtroom was gripped by silence. Kanu’s words had shaken the room, leaving everyone in deep thought and confusion.