Judge rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s request for justice Nyako’s withdrawal from case

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, has dismissed the request made by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, for the withdrawal of Justice Binta Nyako from his ongoing trial.

Justice Tsoho returned the case to Justice Nyako, stating that she was best positioned to handle the matter due to her extensive involvement since the case began in 2015. He highlighted that two other judges had previously stepped down from the case, leaving Justice Nyako as the most suitable person to see the trial through to its conclusion.

Kanu had sought the removal of Justice Nyako, expressing a lack of confidence in her handling of the case. He, along with his legal counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, had accused the judge of ignoring Supreme Court directives, prompting Justice Nyako to temporarily recuse herself from the trial. However, Justice Tsoho, in his decision, reassigned the case back to Nyako, citing the need for consistency given the case’s lengthy history.

Confirming the development on Friday,, Ejimakor said, “Yes, it is true. We are awaiting a hearing notice to that effect from the Federal High Court.”

This latest development introduces a significant new twist in the protracted legal battle involving the IPOB leader, whose trial has attracted attention both locally and internationally.

Kanu’s trial, which began nearly a decade ago, has continued to generate intense legal debates and public interest, with many awaiting the outcome of this high-profile case.