The Federal High Court in Abuja is expected to issue hearing notices before the end of the week in the ongoing treason trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The case, previously handled by Justice Binta Nyako, has now been reassigned to Justice James Omotosho by the Chief Judge of the court, Justice John Tsoho. However, as of Tuesday, it remained unclear whether the case file had been transmitted to the new judge.
A court source disclosed that parties involved in the trial would be notified of the hearing schedule once the new judge takes possession of the case file.
Meanwhile, the Chief Registrar of the Federal High Court, Sulaiman Hassan, has refuted reports claiming that the newly assigned judge had withdrawn from the case. In a statement issued on Tuesday, Hassan described the reports as false and misleading.
“The court unequivocally refutes the false and misleading report, alleging that the Honourable Chief Judge, Justice John T. Tsoho, has stepped down from Nnamdi Kanu’s case and made statements regarding the legality of his arrest,” the statement read.
Hassan clarified that the Chief Judge had only reassigned the case and cautioned against misinformation aimed at misleading the public and undermining confidence in the judiciary.
“The Federal High Court remains committed to upholding justice through due process. The defense team should prepare to receive instructions from the newly assigned judge,” he added.
Kanu, who is facing charges of treasonable felony, has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his extradition to Nigeria in 2021. His trial has drawn significant public and political attention, with calls from various groups demanding his release.
