The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, Justice John Tsoho, has officially reassigned the case of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to a new judge.
The decision comes after Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed in a statement on Saturday that the legal team received official correspondence from both the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court regarding the case reassignment.
Kanu had previously demanded that Justice Binta Nyako recuse herself from presiding over the seven-count terrorism charge filed against him by the Federal Government. Although Justice Nyako initially stepped down, the case was later returned to her, a move that Kanu and his legal team strongly opposed.
On February 20, Kanu’s lawyers formally petitioned Justice Kekere-Ekun, urging her to intervene and ensure a proper reassignment of the case.
Ejimakor disclosed that on Friday, March 7, the legal team received two significant letters—one from the Chief Justice of Nigeria acknowledging their request and another from the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, confirming the reassignment.
Following the development, Kanu instructed his legal team to publicly thank Justice Kekere-Ekun for her “sound administrative discretion and prompt response.” He also extended his gratitude to the public for their continued support.
Ejimakor emphasized that Kanu has always been ready to stand trial, maintaining his innocence. However, he noted that delays since Justice Nyako’s recusal in September 2024 had threatened Kanu’s constitutional right to a fair and speedy trial.
“With the reassignment, Kanu and his legal team will now focus on preparing his defense,” Ejimakor stated.
Now that a new judge will oversee the case, Kanu’s legal team is expected to push for an expedited trial. Meanwhile, supporters and observers will closely watch how the legal proceedings unfold, as the case remains a highly sensitive issue in Nigeria’s political and judicial landscape.
