After months of stalemate, Nnamdi Kanu’s trial finally gets new judge

After months of legal wrangling and mounting public pressure, the terrorism case against Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been reassigned to a new judge.

The decision, directed by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court in Abuja, John Tsoho, marks a significant turn in the high-profile trial.

Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the reassignment in a statement on Saturday, describing it as a crucial step toward ensuring fairness and justice. Justice Binta Nyako had previously presided over the case, but after a contentious hearing on September 24, 2024, Kanu formally requested her recusal, accusing her of bias.

“Yesterday, before our routine visitation to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, we received two official letters regarding his case,” Ejimakor said. “One was from the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, responding to our request for administrative intervention to ensure the proper and lawful reassignment of the case. The second was from the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, informing us of the reassignment to another judge.”

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The move was welcomed by Kanu, who expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice of Nigeria for the swift response and sound administrative discretion. His legal team also extended appreciation to the public for their vocal support in demanding a fair trial.

“For the past six months, since Justice Nyako’s recusal, the lack of progress in the case posed a serious threat to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s constitutional rights, particularly his right to a fair and speedy hearing,” the statement continued. “We were compelled to take extraordinary measures to ensure the case’s reassignment and adherence to legal standards.”

Now, with a new judge set to take over the case, Kanu and his legal team are preparing rigorously for the next phase of the trial. Confident in his innocence, Kanu remains ready to face the court, hopeful that this fresh start will pave the way for a fair and just resolution.

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