Justice Binta Nyako earlier noted that she could not proceed with a trial where a defendant lacked confidence in the court.
The Federal High Court, Abuja Division, adjourned the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB, indefinitely on Monday.
“I hereby recuse myself from this case and remit the file to the chief judge for further necessary action,” Ms Nyako stated.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the counts.
Justice Nyako reviewed conditions for visiting the IPOB leader at the SSS facility by his lawyers.
In the brief of argument, Mr Kanu prayed the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal to set aside the trial court’s decision.
Justice Binta Nyako, in a ruling, also rejected Kanu’s request to be transferred to Kuje Correctional Centre.
Justice Binta Nyako made the threat after Mr Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, told the court that the legal team was not ready for the trial.
Delivering her judgement after a review of the facts, the judge found the defendant guilty as charged and convicted him accordingly.
The trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, shifted the hearing in the matter until noon but there was still no representation by the AGF or his representative.
