The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has rejected the recusal of Justice Binta Nyako from the ongoing trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Justice Nyako had recently stepped down from the case following Kanu’s demand, in which he expressed a lack of confidence in her ability to handle the trial impartially.
Justice Tsoho’s decision, announced on Friday, emphasized that Justice Nyako was the most suitable to conclude the case, which has lingered since Kanu’s first arrest in October 2015. He also highlighted that two judges had already recused themselves from the case previously, further prolonging the legal proceedings. Tsoho noted that if Kanu persists in requesting Nyako’s removal, he must file a formal motion with an affidavit explaining his reasons.
This decision adds another layer to the protracted legal battle Kanu has faced since his 2015 arrest. His repeated requests for bail have been denied, and despite several appeals, the trial remains unresolved. With Justice Nyako back on the case, it is uncertain how long the process will continue before a resolution is reached.
