Justice John Tsoho, Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, has dismissed a request from Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, seeking the recusal of Justice Binta Nyako from his ongoing trial.
Justice John Tsoho returned the case file to Justice Nyako, emphasizing that she is the most qualified judge to oversee the matter due to her extensive involvement since the case was reassigned to her in 2015.
During the proceedings, Justice John Tsoho noted that two other judges had previously recused themselves from Kanu’s case, reinforcing the decision to have Justice Binta Nyako continue. However, he instructed that if Kanu insists on pursuing the recusal at the next hearing, he must submit a formal written motion, accompanied by an affidavit detailing the reasons for his request. This motion must also be served on the prosecution team before being presented to Justice Binta Nyako for her consideration.
Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the development to Channels Television, stating that the legal team is awaiting an official notice from the court, including details for the next hearing.
Previously, Justice Binta Nyako had recused herself from the case following an oral request from Kanu and Ejimakor, who expressed concerns about her handling of the proceedings and alleged that she had ignored orders from the Supreme Court.
READ ALSO: Nnamdi Kanu forces Judge to recuse herself amid dragging trial
Credible News recalls that Nnamdi Kanu, on September 24, requested that Justice Binta Nyako of the Federal High Court in Abuja recuse herself from his ongoing trial.
Kanu made this plea from the dock during the resumed hearing of the seven-count terrorism charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
While his lawyer, Mr. Alloy Ejimakor, was making an argument to have the trial suspended on the grounds that Kanu had not been given adequate time to prepare his defense, Kanu unexpectedly interrupted. He sprang up from his seat and instructed his lawyer to sit down, signaling his disagreement with the proceedings.
“Sit down! I say you should sit down!” Kanu bellowed from the dock.
Continuing, he said: “My lord, I have no confidence in this court anymore and I ask you to recuse yourself because you did not abide by the decision of the Supreme Court.
“I can understand it if the DSS refuses to obey a court order, but for this court to refuse to obey an order of the Supreme Court is regrettable.
“I am asking you to recuse yourself from this case,” Kanu stated.
Kanu’s call for the judge to step down suggests he believes that he may not receive a fair trial under Justice Nyako. This dramatic turn in the courtroom highlights ongoing tensions in the legal battle surrounding his case, where the IPOB leader has consistently denied the charges against him, including those related to terrorism and separatism.
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