"Nnamdi Kanu's Recusal Plea Rejected: Federal High Court Chief Judge Returns Case File to Justice Nyako"

"Nnamdi Kanu's Recusal Plea Rejected: Federal High Court Chief Judge Returns Case File to Justice Nyako"

In a significant development, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, has rejected the request by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, for Justice Binta Nyako's recusal from his case.

Justice Tsoho's decision, made on Friday, returns Kanu's case file to Justice Nyako, citing the prolonged nature of the case, which dates back to 2015. Given Justice Nyako's familiarity with the case, she was deemed the most suitable judge to see it through to its conclusion.

The Chief Judge's ruling comes after Kanu's legal team filed a motion seeking Justice Nyako's recusal, alleging bias and loss of confidence in her ability to fairly preside over the case.

However, Justice Tsoho directed Kanu to file a written motion with an affidavit stating grounds for recusal if he still insists on Justice Nyako's removal at the next hearing.

Kanu's Special Lawyer, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the development, stating, "Yes, it is true. We are awaiting a hearing notice to that effect from the Federal High Court."

This decision introduces a new twist in Kanu's ongoing trial, which has been marked by controversy and allegations of bias against Justice Nyako.

Recall that Kanu was illegally renditioned to Nigeria from Kenya by the Buhari-led government in 2021 and has since been detained at the Department of State Services (DSS) facility in Abuja, despite rulings from Nigeria's Appeal and High Courts discharging him.

IPOB and Kanu have repeatedly accused Justice Nyako of being biased in his case, alleging that she was contracted to jail him in exchange for the release of her embattled husband and son, who face corruption charges with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Nyako had earlier recused herself from the case following an oral application by Kanu and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor.

The development has sparked concerns among Kanu's supporters and human rights activists, who question the impartiality of the Nigerian judiciary.

As the case continues, attention turns to the next hearing, where Kanu's legal team is expected to file a written motion seeking Justice Nyako's recusal.