The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has reportedly refused to accept the request made by Justice Binta Nyako to step down from presiding over the high-profile trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Justice Nyako had previously expressed her intention to withdraw from the case after Kanu raised doubts about her impartiality in handling the trial.
According to recent developments, Justice Tsoho has directed that the case be returned to Justice Nyako, as she is deemed the most appropriate and experienced judge to continue overseeing the proceedings.
A reliable source, who spoke anonymously, revealed this decision to DAILY POST on Friday, outlining the reasons behind the Chief Judge’s determination to keep Justice Nyako on the case.
The source explained that Justice Tsoho’s decision was influenced by several important factors, including the fact that two other judges had previously recused themselves from the case, and the prolonged nature of the trial, which dates back to 2015.
“The case has lingered for far too long since its inception in 2015. Two judges had already stepped down before Justice Binta Nyako took over, and since the case has been with her for a significant period of time, it was concluded that she is the most suitable judge to handle the proceedings and bring them to a conclusion,” the source disclosed.
Furthermore, Justice Tsoho has reportedly given a directive stating that if, during the next hearing, Kanu continues to insist on Justice Nyako’s recusal, he will be required to file a formal written motion, accompanied by an affidavit, outlining all the specific grounds upon which his request is based.
It is worth noting that Justice Nyako recently withdrew from the case after Kanu publicly expressed a lack of confidence in her ability to conduct the trial impartially. Her decision to step down was seen as a response to the increasing tensions surrounding the trial, which has garnered widespread attention both within Nigeria and internationally.