Judge Reassumes Nnamdi Kanu’s Case Weeks After Stepping Down

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has ordered that Justice Binta Nyako resume hearing the treason trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

This decision comes weeks after Justice Nyako recused herself from the case on September 24, following Kanu’s demand for her withdrawal due to concerns over impartiality.

Justice Tsoho, in his directive, instructed Kanu to formally file an application detailing reasons for requesting a new judge, supported by an affidavit.

The prosecution will also respond to the application, after which Justice Nyako will rule on whether she will continue or withdraw from the trial.

This move aims to avoid procedural errors, similar to a previous case involving former Benue State Governor Gabriel Suswam, where a judge’s improper withdrawal led to an appeal court reversal.

Justice Nyako’s initial recusal marked the third time a judge has stepped down from Kanu’s case at the defendant’s request.