The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, has rejected the request by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, for Justice Binta Nyako’s recusal from his case.
Bellnews gathered that Justice Tsoho returned Nnamdi Kanu’s case file to her to handle, saying two other judges were previously recused from the case.
Justice Tsoho stated that Kanu’s case was reassigned to Justice Nyako due to its prolonged nature, dating back to 2015. Given that Justice Nyako had handled the case for the most part, she was deemed the most suitable judge to see it through to its conclusion.
However, the Chief Judge directed that if at the next hearing of the case, Kanu still insists on recusing Justice Nyako, he must file a written motion with an affidavit, stating all the grounds for requesting the recusal.
When contacted, Kanu’s Special Lawyer, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, who confirmed the development to Bellnews on Friday, said, “Yes, it is true. We are awaiting a hearing notice to that effect from the Federal High Court.”
Justice Nyako earlier recused herself from the case following an oral application by Kanu and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor. Kanu had expressed loss of confidence in Justice Nyako, accusing her of disregarding Supreme Court orders.
This development has introduced a new twist in the ongoing trial.