Nnamdi Kanu's Trial-Why Judge Withdrew Ruling On Treason Charges

Justice Ahmed Mohammed,on Wednesday exempted himself from hearing the treason charges against leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB),Nnamdi Kanu.


The Radio Biafra founder  was charged alongside two others, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi by the Federal Government in a six-count charge of treason and managing the affairs of what was tagged "an unlawful government". They were also accused of plotting to split Nigeria through the creation of Biafra republic with South East, South South states and parts of Kogi and Benue states as component units.

Kanu, in his defense objected to being tried by the court stating his lack of confidence in getting justice from the trial. He added that he preferred being held in detention than being submitted to an unfair trial giving his previous trials whose outcomes were abused and neglected by the office of the State Security Service (SSS).

The ruling Judge in his judgment, upheld Kanu's objection stating that the defendant had a right to object to being tried before a Judge or court of law where he had no confidence.
Justice Mohammed also countered the prosecution counsels stating that defendant was right to reject the trial. "after all,Justice is rooted on confidence " he said.

“If any of the parties has no confidence in the court, he has the right to say so” he said. “Assuming it was the prosecution, if they had no confidence in the court of jurisdiction; would they not have done so?” “I hereby remit the case file to the honourable chief judge of this court to reassign it,”  He added. He thereafter ruled that he would return the case file to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court,Justice Ibrahim Auta, for further action.