By Ologeh Joseph Chibu
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Tsoho, has declined the request by leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu requested to have his case reassigned to a different judge.
Kanu is currently facing a seven-count terrorism charge brought by the Federal Government.
During a hearing on September 24, Kanu expressed a lack of confidence in the presiding judge, Justice Binta Nyako, and requested her recusal.
Justice Nyako agreed to step down, sending the case file to the Chief Judge for reassignment.
However, Justice Tsoho returned the case to Justice Nyako, citing the case’s long history. He noted that Kanu’s case, which dates back to 2015, had already been reassigned twice before, and Justice Nyako had handled it for most of that time.
Given her familiarity with the proceedings, Tsoho deemed her the most suitable judge to continue overseeing the case.
Justice Tsoho emphasized that if Kanu remains insistent on seeking Nyako’s recusal, he must file a formal written motion along with an affidavit outlining the reasons.
The prosecution team would then be served the motion, and the matter would be presented to Justice Nyako for her decision.
Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the latest developments and stated that they are awaiting formal court notices and a new hearing date.