In a recent development in the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the Chief Judge of Nigeria’s Federal High Court, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, has declined Kanu’s plea to remove Justice Binta Nyako from his case. Instead, Justice Tsoho has returned the case file to Justice Nyako, citing her prior extensive involvement.
According to reports, Justice Tsoho justified his decision by explaining that Justice Nyako has been handling the case since 2015. Given the case’s complexity and prolonged nature, it was deemed appropriate for her to continue presiding over it, as two other judges had already been recused from earlier stages of the trial.
Justice Tsoho noted that if Kanu still insists on Justice Nyako’s recusal, a formal written motion accompanied by an affidavit must be submitted at the next hearing. This procedure would require Kanu to provide detailed reasons supporting his request for her removal from the case.
Kanu’s special lawyer, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the Chief Judge’s decision, saying, “Yes, it is true. We are awaiting a hearing notice to that effect from the Federal High Court.”
Earlier, Justice Nyako had recused herself from the case after Kanu and his lawyer orally requested her removal. Kanu had expressed dissatisfaction with Justice Nyako’s conduct, accusing her of ignoring Supreme Court directives, leading to his loss of confidence in her handling of the trial.
This latest ruling adds another layer of complexity to the long-standing legal battle surrounding Kanu’s case, which continues to draw significant public attention.
