The case of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, previously presided over by Justice Binta Nyako, has been reassigned to another judge by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice John Tsoho.
Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed this development in a statement released in Abuja.
Following Kanu’s request for Justice Nyako to recuse herself from the trial, she transferred the case back to the Chief Judge for reassignment. However, the case was later reassigned to Justice Nyako again, a move that Kanu opposed, insisting on a new judge to hear his case.
In a recent update, Kanu’s legal team received letters regarding his case from the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court. The letters addressed the reassignment of Kanu’s case to another judge following the recusal of Justice Nyako.
Expressing gratitude for the prompt administrative intervention, Kanu instructed his legal team to convey his appreciation to the CJN and the public for supporting the rightful reassignment of his case to ensure a fair and speedy hearing.
Despite Kanu’s readiness to stand trial and his belief in his innocence, recent events posed risks to his constitutional rights. The legal team took steps to ensure the case’s proper reassignment and adherence to the law. With initial actions taken to uphold the law, Kanu and his legal team will focus on preparing his defense diligently,” Ejimakor explained.