The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja, Justice John Tsoho, has reassigned the case of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to another judge.
Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the development in a statement on Saturday, revealing that the legal team received formal communication about the reassignment on March 7.
Kanu’s Objection to Justice Nyako’s Return
The move follows Kanu’s strong opposition to the return of Justice Binta Nyako as the presiding judge after she had initially recused herself from the trial. Despite stepping down, her case file was reassigned to her—a decision Kanu rejected.
In response, on February 20, Kanu’s legal team wrote to the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, seeking intervention to ensure a new judge was assigned.
Judiciary Responds to Kanu’s Appeal
According to Ejimakor, the legal team received two significant letters on Friday—one from the CJN, acknowledging their request, and another from the Chief Judge, confirming that Kanu’s case had officially been reassigned.
Kanu, through his legal team, expressed gratitude to the CJN for her swift administrative response, as well as to the public for their support in ensuring his case was transferred.
Kanu Prepares for Defence
Ejimakor reiterated that Kanu remains prepared to stand trial, confident in his innocence. However, he noted that delays since September 2024, when Justice Nyako first recused herself, had posed serious risks to Kanu’s constitutional rights to a fair and speedy trial.
“Now that the authorities have taken steps to uphold the law, Kanu and his legal team will focus on preparing his defence,” the statement read.