The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, has reportedly rejected Justice Binta Nyako’s request to recuse herself from presiding over the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Justice Tsoho has directed that the case be returned to Justice Nyako, considering her the most suitable judge to continue overseeing the proceedings.
A reliable source, who wished to remain anonymous, shared this decision with DAILY POST on Friday, citing several reasons for the Chief Judge’s choice.
According to the source, Justice Tsoho’s refusal to reassign the case was based on key considerations: “That 2 other judges were previously recused from the case.
“That the case has lingered for too long from 2015.
“That the case has pended most with Justice Binta, thus making her the most suited or best placed judge to handle and conclude the case.
“However, the Chief Judge has also directed that if at the next hearing of the case, Nnamdi Kanu still insists on recusing Justice Binta, he must file a written motion with an affidavit, stating all the grounds for requesting the recusal.”
Gistreel recalls that Justice Nyako recently withdrew from the case, citing a lack of confidence in her judgment, after Kanu publicly expressed reservations about her capacity to conduct his trial impartially.