Kanu’s Trial: Chief Judge Orders Return Of Case File To Justice Nyako

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has directed that the case file in the treason trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), be returned to Justice Binta Nyako to continue hearing the case.

Justice Nyako had recused herself from the case on September 24 after Kanu demanded that she step down, claiming he no longer had confidence in her ability to ensure a fair trial.

However, Justice Tsoho has now ordered Justice Nyako to resume the case on the condition that Kanu files a formal application, supported by an affidavit, detailing his reasons for wanting a different judge.

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The prosecution must also respond to this application before Justice Nyako can make a final decision on whether or not to withdraw.

This decision by the Chief Judge is aimed at preventing a repeat of the incident in the money laundering case involving former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam, where the Court of Appeal overruled a judge who had withdrawn from the case without proper procedure.

Justice Nyako’s withdrawal on September 24 marks the third time a judge has abandoned the case at the defendant’s request.

Kanu has been facing this trial since December 2015, and his numerous objections to different judges have led to delays and disruptions in the proceedings.