The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Tsoho, has denied the request by Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), for Justice Binta Nyako to recuse herself from his case.
Justice Tsoho returned Kanu’s case file to Justice Nyako, stating that two other judges had previously recused themselves.
He explained that the case was reassigned to Justice Nyako due to its lengthy duration since 2015, and given her extensive involvement, she was considered the most suitable judge to continue overseeing it.
However, Justice Tsoho directed that if Kanu insists on having Justice Nyako recused at the next hearing, he must file a formal written motion on notice, supported by an affidavit outlining the grounds for his request.
This motion must also be served to the prosecution, and Kanu must appear before Justice Nyako for her to review and make a determination on the matter.
Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the development to Channels Television, adding that Kanu’s legal team is awaiting an official court notice and a new hearing date.
Justice Nyako had previously recused herself from the case following an oral application by Kanu and Ejimakor, who expressed dissatisfaction with her handling of the case, accusing her of ignoring Supreme Court orders.