March 08, (THEWILL) – The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has reassigned the terrorism trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra to a new judge following Justice Binta Nyako’s decision to recuse herself from the case.
Justice Nyako stepped down after Kanu requested her withdrawal, citing a lack of confidence in her ability to ensure a fair hearing.
Kanu is facing a seven-count amended charge of treason and terrorism brought against him by the Federal Government.
This follows a December 15, 2023, ruling by the Supreme Court, which overturned the Court of Appeal’s October 13, 2022, decision that quashed the charges and ordered his release.
Confirming the reassignment, Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, said on Saturday that the legal team had received official communication on the matter.
Ejimakor stated, “Yesterday, before our routine visitation to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, we received two separate official letters regarding his case.
“One letter was from the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, responding to our request for administrative intervention to ensure a proper and lawful reassignment of the case. The other was from the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, notifying us that the case has been reassigned to another judge.”
Ejimakor conveyed Kanu’s appreciation to the Chief Justice of Nigeria for her swift response and to the public for their support in demanding a fair trial.
He noted, “To be clear, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has always been ready to face trial because he is convinced of his innocence. However, the delays and legal uncertainties since Justice Nyako’s recusal in September 2024 posed significant threats to his constitutional right to a fair and speedy trial.
“With this reassignment, we will take stock and focus on the zealous preparation of his defense.”
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