Kanu, addressing the court directly from the dock, expressed his lack of confidence in the proceedings. Interrupting his lawyer, Mr. Alloy Ejimakor, who was attempting to argue that Kanu had been denied the opportunity to prepare his defense, Kanu demanded that Justice Nyako recuse herself for failing to follow the Supreme Court's decision.

“My lord, I have no confidence in this court anymore and I ask you to recuse yourself because you did not abide by the decision of the Supreme Court,” Kanu declared, further criticizing the court for not upholding the apex court's ruling.

In response, the prosecution, led by Mr. Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, urged the court to ignore Kanu's appeal, stating that the Supreme Court had directed the trial to proceed. Awomolo dismissed Kanu's objections, calling them "incompetent observations."

Despite this, Kanu remained adamant, presenting a copy of the Supreme Court's judgment, which he argued questioned the impartiality of the trial judge. He further expressed his frustration with the trial but maintained his respect for Justice Nyako.

In reaction to the ongoing dispute, Justice Nyako decided to step down from the case, stating, “I hereby recuse myself and remit the case file back to the Chief Judge.”

The court had earlier granted the Federal Government's request to protect the identities of witnesses scheduled to testify in the trial.