The Chief Judge of Nigeria’s Federal High Court, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, has vehemently rejected the plea from the embattled leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu seeking the recusal of Justice Binta Nyako from his case.
Recall that the request was made by Kanu on his last appearance in court.
The separatist leader while addressing newsmen and associates at the court said he had lost confidence in Justice Nyako over the handling of his case. Kanu accused the judge of disregarding Supreme Court orders.
Justice Nyako also rescued herself from the matter following an oral application from Kanu and his counsel.
However, Justice Tsoho ruled that Kanu’s request for Justice Nyako to step down was unfounded and reaffirmed her as the judge handling the case.
He noted that Kanu’s trial, which began in 2015, had previously seen two judges recuse themselves, making Justice Nyako the most appropriate to continue presiding over the case given her extensive involvement. Justice Tsoho also stated that should the IPOB leader at his next appearance insist on recusing Justice Nyako, he must then file a written motion with an affidavit.
According to the chief judge, the affidavit would state all the grounds for requesting the recusal of Justice Nyako.
Meanwhile, confirming the development, Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s counsel, said his team are waiting for a hearing notice from the court to that effect.