Justice John Tsoho, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, don reject the request wey Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), make for Justice Binta Nyako to recuse herself from his case. Kanu make dis request during his last court appearance, saying he no dey trust Justice Nyako again because of how she dey handle his case. He accuse her of ignoring Supreme Court orders.
Justice Nyako had earlier agree to step down from the case after Kanu and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, make oral application for her to recuse herself. However, Chief Judge Tsoho return the case file to her, saying that two judges had already been removed from overseeing Kanu’s terrorism case since 2015. Tsoho believe say Justice Nyako be the most qualified judge to handle the matter because she has been involved with the case for the longest time.
If Kanu still insist on Justice Nyako’s recusal during his next court appearance, he must submit a written motion along with an affidavit outlining the grounds for his request. Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s counsel, confirm dis development and say his team dey wait for hearing notice from the court regarding the next steps.
The case of Nnamdi Kanu has been ongoing since 2015 and has been handled by different judges due to various legal maneuverings. Before Justice Nyako, judges like Adeniyi Ademola and Ahmed Mohammed had handled the case but later recused themselves after Kanu express lack of confidence in them.
Nnamdi Kanu is being prosecuted by the federal government over allegations of inciting violence and secessionist agitation. He has been detained by the State Security Service (SSS) in Abuja since his forcible repatriation from Kenya in June 2021.
