In a significant development, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice John Tsoho, has reassigned the case of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to a new judge. This decision follows a series of legal challenges regarding the handling of Kanu’s case.
Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, announced the reassignment on Saturday in Abuja. Ejimakor’s statement sheds light on the series of events leading up to the case reassignment.
Earlier, Kanu requested the recusal of Justice Binta Nyako, who was overseeing the seven-count terrorism charge filed against him by the federal government. Although Justice Nyako initially agreed to recuse herself and transferred the case file back to the Chief Judge, the file was later reassigned back to her, a move that Kanu’s legal team strongly opposed.
In response to this, Kanu’s legal team formally approached the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, on February 20, requesting her intervention to ensure the proper reassignment of the case.
On Friday, March 7, Kanu’s legal team received two key letters regarding the matter. One letter was from the Chief Justice of Nigeria, responding to their previous letter seeking her intervention, while the other came from the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, confirming that the case had been reassigned to another judge.
Expressing gratitude for the swift response, Ejimakor noted that Kanu appreciated the Chief Justice’s administrative discretion and quick action on the matter. Kanu also thanked the public for their support in demanding a fair reassignment of the case in line with the law.
“While Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has always been ready to face trial, the irregularities and delays over the past six months raised serious concerns about his constitutional rights, particularly his right to a fair and timely trial,” said Ejimakor. “With the case now reassigned, Kanu and his legal team will focus on preparing a strong defense.”
This reassignment marks an important step in ensuring that Kanu’s trial proceeds in accordance with legal and constitutional standards, offering a glimmer of hope for those advocating for a fair judicial process.
