UPDATED: Judge Adjourns Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial Indefinitely

Published

1 year ago

February 10, 2025

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UPDATED: Judge Adjourns Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial Indefinitely—-Justice Binta Nyako of a Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, adjourned the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), indefinitely.

Justice Nyako gave the order after Kanu and his counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, insisted that the trial judge no longer had jurisdiction to preside over the case following her earlier recusal (withdrawal) from the matter.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Nyako had, on Sept. 24, 2024, recused (withdrew) herself from the trial of Kanu, after an oral application from the defence and the case file was transferred to the chief judge.

However, the Chief Judge (CJ) of FHC, Justice John Tsoho sent the Kanu’s case file back to Justice Nyako for adjudication, insisting that a formal application must be made by the defence before the recusal could be accepted.

When the matter was called on Monday, counsel to the Federal Government, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, informed the court that the case was for resumption of Kanu’s trial.

“Your lordship will recall that on the last date of hearing, there was an oral application that your lordship should recuse yourself and the file be remitted back to the CJ.”

“The CJ, who has the power, has sent back the file. We are ready to proceed with the trial and our witnesses are ready too.

“In obedience to your lordship order, the proof of evidence and relevant documents have been served on the defence and we are ready to go on,” he said.

Hardly had Awomolo ended his statement when Ejimakor interjected.

“My lord, this honourable court has recused itself from the case and my lord has to tell us, first, why we are here before the learner silk could talk.

“We don’t know why we are here because this court stands recused by the extant order,” Ejimakor said.

Justice Nyako then explained that on Sept. 24, 2024, she sent the case file back to the CJ.

“On Oct. 7, 2024, I got a memo from the CJ and it instructs as follows that if the defendant still wants a recusal, he should filed a formal application by way of motion on notice .

“It was.minuted to me by the CJ. The CJ has not accepted by recusal and has minuted the file back to me.

“So if you still want a recusal, you will file a motion on notice and the prosecution will join issues with you and it will be adjourned for ruling.

“I have so many cases before me so it is not as if I am begging for a case,” the judge said.

Responding, Ejimakor disagreed with Justice Nyako.

“With due respect, even though we do not have the privy of the memo from the chief judge, the chief judge does not have the judicial power above this court.

“The CJ is just the first among equals and his memo cannot override the subsisting order of this court that has been enrolled.

“An ordinary administrative memo should not be allowed to override the order of this court. The order stands and we are guided by it,” Ejimakor insisted.

“My advice is that you should go and file a formal application irrespective of your position.

“The power vested in the CJ are not vested in me. He has the power to assign cases in line with the law.

“You are just stalling your client’s case. File everything you want to and the prosecution will join issues with you,” the judge told Ejimakor.

Ejimakor argued that there was no rule of the court that mandated a party to file an application when a recusal had already been done.

While Ejimakor was addressing the court, Kanu cut in and asked his lawyer to keep quiet and sit down.

“Mr Kanu, are you taking over from your lawyer?” Justice Nyako asked and the IPOB leader responded in affirmative.

Awomolo, who expressed surprise at the development, said:he was embarrassed by the proceedings.

The FG’s lawyer said after the explanation by the judge, the proper thing to do by Ejimakor was to either indicate if he would be filing a formal application or not.

Ejimakor stood up to respond to Awomolo’s submission but the judge told him: “Mr Aloy, you have been disengaged. Don’t say anything.”

Kanu then stood up from the dock to address the court.

The IPOB leader insisted that his trial can no longer be before the judge.

Turning to Chief Awomolo, Kanu said: “The Chairman of Body of Benchers is here distorting the laws.

“This man is a grown up man and should be upholding the law.

“Why is he turning the law upside down. I came here because of the respect I have for you (the court). God is my witness.”

“I have not said anything that is contrary to anything.. I sent the case file to CJ and he sent it back to me,” Justice Nyako restated.

“But he (the CJ) is wrong. The CJ supposed to go on appeal because you cannot preside over my case again; not today and not tomorrow.

“Why must he insists that you must be on my case. You are bias. So I don’t want you on my case again. You stand recused,” Kanu said angrily.

Against the development, Awomolo therefore applied for a trial date.

“In view of the fact that the defendant has said that he will not make a formal application, I apply that my lord give a date for hearing,” the senior lawyer said.

Responding, Kanu said a memo from the CJ cannot override the order of the court.

He recalled that Justice Tsoho, who is presently the CJ, had once presided over his case and he applied that he recused himself from his case.

Kanu said during the time, he took Justice Tsoho to National Judicial Council (NJC) and he won, leading to Justice Tsoho’s withdrawal from his case.

“Why is he insisting that his lordship should continue even after recusing herself?

“Can a memo from the CJ overrides court order? The answer is no.

“Justice Binta stands recused,” he said.

The IPOB leader, who brought out some documents, said: “This is a National Judicial Policy of Nigeria. Please give it to Chief Awomolo, it seems he doesn’t know the law.

“The rule of law is once an order of court is made, it can only be set aside on appeal. Please give him a copy.

“It seems he doesn’t know. If you don’t like what Justice Nyako has done, go on appeal. She is functus officio. Stop wasting your time.”

When the judge said she would adjourned the case sine die (indefinitely) pending when the parties agree, Kanu said: “You cannot adjourn this case sine die because you have no jurisdiction to adjourn sine die.”

Justice Nyako consequently adjourned the matter sine die (indefinitely).

“The case is now in limbo. I have to adjourn sine die,” she said.

However, Kanu kept shouting in the court: “Why must you insist you must take it. You have an agenda.”

NAN reports that Kanu is facing a seven-count terrorism charge.

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APFSPN Set To Host Inaugural Town Hall Meeting And Induct New Members

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8 hours ago

June 15, 2026

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APFSPN Set To Host Inaugural Town Hall Meeting And Induct New Members

……APFSPN Town Hall Meeting and Induction of New Members Set for June 17

The Association of Professional Food Service Providers of Nigeria (APFSPN) has announced plans to host its Inaugural Town Hall Meeting and New Members Induction Ceremony on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at the Professor Wole Soyinka Centre for Arts and Culture, Iganmu, Lagos.

The landmark event, themed “The Business Behind the Plate,” is expected to bring together stakeholders across Nigeria’s food service ecosystem, including caterers, restaurant owners, event food service providers, culinary professionals, food entrepreneurs, policymakers, and development partners to discuss the future of the industry and strengthen professional collaboration.

Speaking at a media briefing ahead of the event, the newly elected President of APFSPN, Mr. Tobi Fletcher, said the Association was established to address the longstanding absence of structure, institutional support, and unified representation within Nigeria’s rapidly growing food service industry.

According to him, despite being one of the most vibrant sectors of the economy, the food service industry has operated for too long without a coordinated voice capable of driving standards, recognition, and sustainable growth.

“APFSPN exists to professionalise the food service industry. We exist to give caterers, food vendors, restaurant owners, event food service providers, and every professional who works behind the plate a platform for growth, recognition, and collective strength.” — Tobi Fletcher, President, APFSPN

He explained that the theme of the event, “The Business Behind the Plate,” reflects the economic realities and entrepreneurial ecosystem surrounding food service delivery in Nigeria.

“Behind every plate of food served at an event, in a restaurant, or at a corporate function, there is a business, a dream, and a livelihood. More importantly, over 90 percent of our members are women who wake up every day to build sustainable businesses and contribute meaningfully to the economy. APFSPN is here to ensure that these businesses are supported, protected, and celebrated.” — Tobi Fletcher, President, APFSPN

Also speaking at the press briefing, the Vice President of APFSPN, Mrs. Ibidunni Layade, emphasised the Association’s commitment to capacity building and the welfare of its members. She noted that APFSPN is not merely a professional body but a support system designed to elevate the standards of food service delivery across Nigeria.

“Our members are the backbone of Nigeria’s hospitality and events industry. What APFSPN offers is a structured pathway for them to access training, mentorship, business development resources, and a community that understands their unique challenges. This Town Hall Meeting is the beginning of that journey — a space where every food service professional can have a voice and be heard.” — Ibidunni Layade, Vice President, APFSPN

Mrs. Layade further stated that the induction of new members at the event underscores the Association’s rapid growth and the hunger within the industry for formal recognition and collective representation.

The Events Director of APFSPN, Ms. Temi Adelana, took the media through the programme of events for the Town Hall Meeting. She outlined a carefully curated agenda designed to combine ceremony, knowledge sharing, and networking.

“The event will commence at 9:00 AM with the arrival and registration of guests, followed by the opening ceremony, the presidential address, the keynote by our Guest Speaker, and the formal induction of new members. We have also incorporated panel discussions, an exhibition showcase featuring food service businesses, and structured networking sessions to ensure that every attendee leaves with tangible value and new connections.” — Temi Adelana, Events Director, APFSPN

Ms. Adelana added that the choice of the Professor Wole Soyinka Centre for Arts and Culture as the venue reflects the Association’s desire to position the food service industry within the broader narrative of Nigerian creativity, culture, and enterprise.

The event will also feature the formal induction of new members, reinforcing the Association’s commitment to building a professional body dedicated to excellence, ethics, innovation, and capacity development in Nigeria’s food service sector.

In further demonstration of the growing relevance of the Association, APFSPN disclosed that the event will attract international delegations and representatives from the Canadian Trade Commission and the Italian Trade Agency.

The Guest Speaker for the event is Former Minister of Information, Lai Mohammed; Aare (Dr.) Abisoye Fagade, DG/CEO of NIHOTOUR, while the Special Guest of Honour is High Chief Lai Labode, Aare Ona of Egbaland, and other top dignitaries.

With over 500 food service professionals and stakeholders expected in attendance, the event is positioned to become a defining moment for the industry and a launchpad for stronger institutional engagement.

Calling on the media to amplify the industry’s story, Fletcher described the gathering as more than an event.

“You are not merely covering an event; you are witnessing the beginning of a movement. We urge the media to help tell the story of the women and men who feed this nation and an industry that is ready to be recognised and taken seriously.” — Tobi Fletcher, President, APFSPN

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21-Year-Old Woman Dies After Staff Allegedly Forget Safety Rope During Brazil Bridge Jump (VIDEO)

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2 days ago

June 14, 2026

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21-Year-Old Woman Dies After Staff Allegedly Forget Safety Rope During Brazil Bridge Jump (VIDEO)—-Tragic rope-jump accident in São Paulo leaves young woman dead as authorities detain six people and launch an investigation into safety failures.

A 21-year-old woman has died after being launched from a bridge during a rope-jump activity without being attached to the required safety rope in the Brazilian city of Limeira, São Paulo state. The victim, identified as Maria Eduarda Rodrigues de Freitas, fell approximately 40 metres after staff allegedly failed to secure her safety equipment before the jump.

The fatal incident occurred at the Ponte do Esqueleto trail, a popular destination for adventure sports enthusiasts. Video footage circulating on social media reportedly shows instructors carrying the woman to the jump platform before releasing her. Moments later, witnesses can be heard shouting that the rope had not been attached.

Emergency responders, including firefighters and paramedics, rushed to the scene but were unable to save her. She was pronounced dead at the site of the accident. Authorities say witness statements indicate a critical safety lapse may have occurred before the jump.

https://thecloudngr.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Rapid_Report_-_JUST_IN_21-year-old_dies_after_workers_forget_to_attach_safety_rope_6ZjVfu.mp4?_=1

Brazilian police detained six individuals connected to the operation as investigators began examining the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. Reports indicate that some workers attempted to leave the area following the incident before being located by authorities.

The companies linked to the rope-jump operation have come under intense scrutiny as officials investigate potential negligence and safety protocol violations. The case has reignited debate over safety standards in Brazil’s growing extreme-sports industry.

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