The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Tsoho, has declined a request from Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, to have his trial reassigned to a different judge. Kanu had expressed a lack of confidence in Justice Binta Nyako, who was handling the seven-count terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government. Despite Justice Nyako initially agreeing to recuse herself and send the case back for reassignment, Justice Tsoho decided to return the case to her. This was because the case has been ongoing since 2015, and Justice Nyako has been involved in it for a significant period, making her the most suitable judge to continue presiding over it. Justice Tsoho instructed Kanu to file a formal written motion with detailed grounds for his recusal request, which must be served to the prosecution team and reviewed by Justice Nyako before a decision is made. Kanu’s legal representative, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the situation and mentioned that they are waiting for official communication from the court regarding the next steps and a new hearing date.
Justice Tsoho returns Kanu’s case file to Justice Nyako
