Nigeria: Judge withdraws from Biafran case

A Federal High Court judge in Nigeria, has withdrawn from the hearing treason charges brought by the government against Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra.

Justice judge Ahmed Mohammed decided to suspend the hearing after Nnamdi Kanu and his two co-accused said they did not have confidence in the neutrality of the court

Justice Ahmed Mohammed announced the decision on Wednesday in Abuja, after Mr. Kanu objected to the case, saying it was needless, as the federal government had repeatedly disobeyed previous court rulings.

The government is accusing Mr. Kanu of plotting to split Nigeria, by creating a Biafra Republic with south eastern states, and parts of Kogi and Benue states, as component units.

Mr. Kanu, who was arraigned before Justice Mohammed Wednesday, told the court before commencement of the prosecution’s plea that he preferred being held in detention, than subjecting himself to a trial, which outcome will not be respected.

A Nigerian Federal High Court granted bail to Nnamdi Kanu on December 16, 2015. The separatist leader, had been in detention for two months without trial on charges of criminal conspiracy and belonging to an illegal society.

Kanu’s arrest prompted thousands, to join demonstrations calling for his release.

Federal court judge withdraws from Kanu’s case https://t.co/gmnGcpaAOp via todayng pic.twitter.com/T5fLd8kiJS

— Nigeria Newsdesk (NigeriaNewsdesk) December 24, 2015

The UK-based Director of Radio Biafra mostly divides his time between Britain and Nigeria, spreading his ethos on social media and Radio Biafra.