The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice John Tsoho, has officially reassigned the treason trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to a different judge.
Kanu has been in detention since 2021 after his bail was revoked. He is currently facing a seven-count treasonable felony charge brought against him by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
Why Was the Case Reassigned?
Previously, Justice Binta Nyako presided over the case but adjourned proceedings indefinitely on February 10, 2024, following Kanu’s insistence that she recuse herself due to allegations of bias. Initially, the Chief Judge dismissed this request, instructing Justice Nyako to continue handling the matter. However, Kanu’s legal team, led by Alloy Ejimakor, continued to press for a reassignment.
Ejimakor revealed in a statement that the judiciary eventually granted the request. He commended the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, for her swift administrative intervention.
Legal Team’s Response
Ejimakor stated that two official letters were received on Friday: one from the CJN acknowledging their request and another from the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court confirming that the case had been transferred to a new judge.
Expressing gratitude, Ejimakor emphasized Kanu’s readiness to stand trial, asserting his innocence. He also acknowledged the support of the general public in pushing for a fair reassignment.
Background of Kanu’s Legal Battle
Nnamdi Kanu was first arrested in Lagos on October 14, 2015, upon his return from the United Kingdom. He was granted bail by Justice Nyako on April 25, 2017, based on health concerns, and released three days later after fulfilling his bail conditions. However, following an attack on his residence in Abia State, Kanu fled the country.
He was later re-arrested in Kenya on June 19, 2021, and was extraordinarily renditioned to Nigeria on June 27, 2021. Since then, he has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS).
Court Rulings and Supreme Court Decision
The trial court initially struck out eight out of the 15 charges against Kanu on April 8, 2022, citing a lack of substance. Later, on October 13, 2022, the Court of Appeal in Abuja ordered his release and dismissed the remaining charges. However, the Federal Government challenged this ruling at the Supreme Court. On December 15, 2023, the Supreme Court overturned the appellate court’s decision, permitting the government to proceed with the trial on seven existing charges.
Despite the recent reassignment, Kanu’s defense team remains focused on ensuring a fair and legally compliant trial. While Ejimakor confirmed the case transfer, he refrained from disclosing the identity of the new presiding judge.
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