The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice John Tsoho, has reassigned the case of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to a new judge, following months of legal disputes and requests for a fair hearing.
Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the development in a statement on Saturday, highlighting the legal team’s persistent efforts to ensure the case is handled by an impartial judge.
Previously, Kanu had sought the recusal of Justice Binta Nyako from presiding over his trial on seven terrorism-related charges filed by the Federal Government.
Although Justice Nyako initially stepped down and returned the case file to the Chief Judge for reassignment, the file was subsequently sent back to her—a move Kanu strongly opposed.
On February 20, Kanu’s legal team formally petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, requesting her intervention.
Their appeal centered on concerns over the neutrality of the presiding judge and the right to a fair trial.
Ejimakor disclosed that on Friday, March 7, the legal team received two official letters—one from the Chief Justice of Nigeria and another from the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court—confirming that Kanu’s case had been reassigned.
“Yesterday, before our routine visitation to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, we received two separate official letters regarding his case. These letters mark a significant step in our pursuit of justice,” Ejimakor stated.
The letter from the Chief Justice acknowledged receipt of the legal team’s concerns and assured them of an administrative review of the matter.
Meanwhile, the Chief Judge’s letter formally confirmed the case reassignment to a new judge, whose name has yet to be disclosed.
Upon receiving the news, Kanu expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice for her swift response and praised the public for their unwavering support.
“He also expressed his profound appreciation to members of the general public who stood by him in demanding a lawful reassignment of his case,” Ejimakor noted.
Kanu has consistently maintained his readiness to stand trial, asserting his innocence against all charges.
However, his legal team emphasized that the procedural irregularities since September 2024—when Justice Nyako’s recusal was first raised—posed serious threats to his constitutional rights, particularly his right to a fair and speedy trial.
“Now that the authorities have taken the necessary steps to ensure justice, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and his legal team will focus on preparing his defense,” Ejimakor concluded.With the case now assigned to a new judge, legal observers anticipate that the next phase of the trial will move forward without further delays, potentially setting a new precedent in Nigeria’s judicial system regarding high-profile political cases.
The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice John Tsoho, has reassigned the case of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to a new judge, following months of legal disputes and requests for a fair hearing.
Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the development in a statement on Saturday, highlighting the legal team’s persistent efforts to ensure the case is handled by an impartial judge.
Previously, Kanu had sought the recusal of Justice Binta Nyako from presiding over his trial on seven terrorism-related charges filed by the Federal Government.
Although Justice Nyako initially stepped down and returned the case file to the Chief Judge for reassignment, the file was subsequently sent back to her—a move Kanu strongly opposed.
Their appeal centered on concerns over the neutrality of the presiding judge and the right to a fair trial.
Ejimakor disclosed that on Friday, March 7, the legal team received two official letters—one from the Chief Justice of Nigeria and another from the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court—confirming that Kanu’s case had been reassigned.
“Yesterday, before our routine visitation to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, we received two separate official letters regarding his case. These letters mark a significant step in our pursuit of justice,” Ejimakor stated.
The letter from the Chief Justice acknowledged receipt of the legal team’s concerns and assured them of an administrative review of the matter.
Upon receiving the news, Kanu expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice for her swift response and praised the public for their unwavering support.
“He also expressed his profound appreciation to members of the general public who stood by him in demanding a lawful reassignment of his case,” Ejimakor noted.
Kanu has consistently maintained his readiness to stand trial, asserting his innocence against all charges.
However, his legal team emphasized that the procedural irregularities since September 2024—when Justice Nyako’s recusal was first raised—posed serious threats to his constitutional rights, particularly his right to a fair and speedy trial.
With the case now assigned to a new judge, legal observers anticipate that the next phase of the trial will move forward without further delays, potentially setting a new precedent in Nigeria’s judicial system regarding high-profile political cases.
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