Nigeria’s Chief Judge Rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s Request for Recusal, Sends Case Back to Justice Nyako

The Chief Judge of Nigeria’s Federal High Court, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, has rejected the plea made by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), seeking the recusal of Justice Binta Nyako from his ongoing trial.

According to reports from Fushion Chronicles Nigeria, Justice Tsoho has returned the case file to Justice Nyako, citing that two previous judges had already recused themselves from the matter. He explained that due to the case’s lengthy duration—having started in 2015—Justice Nyako was deemed the most appropriate judge to continue presiding over it, as she has handled the case for the majority of its proceedings.

Despite this decision, Justice Tsoho instructed that if Kanu continues to request Justice Nyako’s recusal at the next hearing, he must submit a formal written motion, accompanied by an affidavit, outlining the specific reasons for his request.

Kanu’s lawyer, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the development to Fushion Chronicles Nigeria, stating, “Yes, it is true. We are awaiting a hearing notice to that effect from the Federal High Court.”

Previously, Justice Nyako had recused herself after Kanu and his lawyer made an oral request, expressing a loss of confidence in her ability to oversee the case. Kanu accused her of ignoring orders from the Supreme Court.

This recent development adds another layer of complexity to the already prolonged trial.