The Honorable Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Tsoho, has declined the request submitted by the incarcerated leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, seeking the recusal of Justice Binta Nyako from his ongoing legal proceedings.
The case file pertaining to Nnamdi Kanu was returned to Justice Tsoho for handling, as two other judges had previously recused themselves from the case.
Chief Judge Of The Federal High Court Declines Nnamdi Kanu’s Request For Justice Nyako’s Recusal
Justice Tsoho stated that Kanu’s case was reassigned to Justice Nyako due to its prolonged nature as far back as 2015.
Since she had handled the case for the most part, she was deemed the most suitable judge to see it through to its conclusion.
Nevertheless, the Chief Judge instructed that if Kanu persists in his request for Justice Nyako’s recusal at the next hearing, he must submit a formal written motion with an accompanying affidavit outlining all the reasons for seeking the recusal.
Kanu must also serve it on the prosecution team, and appear before Justice Nyako for her review and determination, then she can make her decision.
Kanu’s Special Lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the development to Channels Television. He added that Kanu’s team is waiting for an official notice from the court and a new hearing notice.
Justice Nyako previously withdrew from the case after an oral application by Kanu and his attorney, Aloy Ejimakor. He had communicated his dissatisfaction and loss of trust in Justice Nyako, alleging that she disregarded Supreme Court directives.