The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court (FHC), Justice John Tsoho, has reassigned the Federal Government’s case against Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) back to Justice Binta Nyako.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Justice Nyako had, on Sept. 24, recused herself from the trial of the detained Kanu, following oral applications by the IPOB leader and his lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor.
However, a reliable source at the FHC informed NAN that the CJ had reverted the file to Justice Nyako.
It was gathered that the decision of Justice Tsoho was premises on a condition that Kanu’s request must be formally presented before the court through a motion on notice, stating reasons he did not want to stand trial before Nyako.
“It is expected that the defendant will now duly serve the Federal Government, through the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, a copy of the motion for the prosecution’s response.”
“The parties will address the court and a decision will be taken by the judge.”
NAN recalls that Justice Ahmed Mohammed and Justice Tsoho (before becoming the CJ) had presided over Kanu’s trial before it was assigned to Justice Nyako, following the defendant’s rejection of the two judges.
However, on the last adjourned date, shortly after the FG’s lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, informed the court that the matter was slated for continuation of trial, Ejimakor asked the court to adjourn the trial due to two pending appeals challenging the court’s jurisdiction.
Awomolo argued that a criminal trial cannot be stalled because of a pending appeal and that the defence should file for a stay of proceedings at the appellate court.
Justice Nyako then stated that the parties should not delay the matter, having ruled that the court would not attend to any applications until the end of the trial.
Ejimakor insisted it was inappropriate to continue with the trial when he had not adequately prepared his client for the defence.
He asserted that all court orders directing that his client should be allowed to prepare for his defence had allegedly been disobeyed.
Justice Nyako then directed that a prosecution witness be called.
But Awomolo countered the argument on the Supreme Court’s judgment delivered in 2023.
He argued that the apex court mandated the lower court to proceed with the hearing and determination of Kanu’s trial.
He stated that Kanu’s claims did not align with the Supreme Court’s verdict.
“This is clearly an incompetent and audacious observation,” Awomolo said.
The judge responded that, as far as she was concerned, there was nothing in the Supreme Court’s lead judgment that supported Kanu’s assertion.
She expressed surprise that Kanu would stand up and yell at his counsel.
“I hereby recuse myself from this case and remit the file to the Chief Judge for further necessary action,” Nyako stated.
The judge said she could not proceed with a trial where a defendant lacked confidence in the court.
Awomolo expressed his appreciation to the judge, lamenting that it was a very unfortunate day.
