CHIEF JUDGE DENIES NNAMDI KANU'S REQUEST TO REASSIGN TERRORISM CASE TO ANOTHER JUDGE. (PHOTO).

 

Chief Judge Denies Nnamdi Kanu's Request to Reassign Terrorism Case to Another Judge

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Tsoho, has denied the recusal request from Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who sought to have his case reassigned to another judge. During a hearing on September 24 regarding terrorism charges against him, Kanu expressed a lack of confidence in Justice Binta Nyako, who had previously agreed to recuse herself and return the case file to Tsoho for reassignment. However, Tsoho returned the file to Nyako, citing her extensive involvement with the case since 2015.

Justice Tsoho explained that Kanu's case had already seen two judges recused and emphasized that Nyako was the most suitable judge to conclude the trial due to her familiarity with its prolonged history. He stated that if Kanu still wishes to pursue the recusal at the next hearing, he must submit a formal written motion detailing his grounds for the request and serve it on the prosecution team. Kanu's counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed that they are awaiting an official notice from the court regarding a new hearing date.

Kanu's initial request for recusal stemmed from his belief that Justice Nyako had not adhered to Supreme Court orders, leading him to declare in open court that he no longer had confidence in her handling of his trial. Despite this setback, Tsoho's ruling underscores a commitment to maintaining continuity in the judicial process as Kanu's case continues.

The next steps in Kanu's trial will depend on whether he files the necessary motion for Nyako's recusal. This development adds another layer of complexity to an already lengthy legal battle that has been ongoing since Kanu's re-arrest in 2021 on charges related to treasonable felony.