Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, to step in after his case was reassigned to a judge he had previously accused of bias. Kanu, in a letter dated February 20, 2025, urged the CJN to instruct the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, to transfer his case to a judge with the proper jurisdiction.
Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, revealed that on September 24, 2024, Justice Binta Nyako had recused herself from the case due to Kanu’s request citing alleged bias. However, despite her voluntary withdrawal, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court directed that Justice Nyako resume her role in Kanu’s trial.
Kanu, facing seven terrorism charges brought by the Federal Government, has repeatedly rejected Justice Nyako’s handling of his case. During a court session on February 10, 2025, he made it clear that he only attended out of respect for the hearing notice, but did not recognize her authority. In response, Justice Nyako adjourned the trial indefinitely.
The IPOB leader had previously requested the Chief Judge to transfer the case either to another judge in Abuja or to a Federal High Court in the South-East, where the alleged offenses occurred and where witnesses reside.
In the letter sent to the CJN, Ejimakor pointed out that once a judge recuses themselves, they are legally prohibited from further involvement in the case. He criticized the Chief Judge for ignoring this principle, allowing the case to be reassigned to Justice Nyako, despite her formal recusal.
