The Federal High Court (FHC) has firmly denied widespread online reports alleging that the newly assigned judge to the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has withdrawn from the case.
A viral social media claim suggested that the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, had taken over the case and subsequently recused himself, allegedly citing the illegality of Kanu’s arrest and extradition from Kenya.
The report further insinuated that Justice Tsoho expressed personal reservations about the manner in which Kanu was brought back to Nigeria and refused to preside over the matter due to these concerns.
In response to these allegations, the Federal High Court, through a statement issued by its Chief Registrar, Sulaiman Hassan, categorically refuted the claims, describing them as “entirely unfounded, fictitious, grossly mischievous, and damaging in intent.”
“The Federal High Court unequivocally refutes the false and misleading report,” the statement read. “Justice Tsoho has not stepped down from the case, nor did he make any statement regarding the legality of Kanu’s arrest.”
The court clarified that Justice Tsoho, in his capacity as the Chief Judge, had only reassigned the case from Justice Binta Nyako to Justice James Omotosho. The statement emphasized that Justice Tsoho was never directly involved in the adjudication of Kanu’s trial.
“The Chief Judge’s administrative role in reassigning cases should not be misrepresented as active participation or withdrawal from any legal matter,” Hassan further clarified.
The FHC urged the public and media outlets to refrain from spreading unverified reports and to rely solely on official judicial statements for accurate information.
Nnamdi Kanu is currently facing a seven-count charge of treasonable felony brought against him by the Federal Government of Nigeria. His legal troubles stem from his alleged involvement in inciting secessionist activities through the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group which the Nigerian government has declared a terrorist organization.
Kanu’s legal team, led by prominent counsel Alloy Ejimakor, recently confirmed that the case was reassigned after Justice Binta Nyako withdrew from further proceedings.
Despite persistent legal challenges and calls from domestic and international human rights organizations for his release, the Federal Government has remained resolute in pursuing the charges against Kanu.
As the legal proceedings continue, the FHC reiterated its commitment to upholding the principles of fairness and justice while ensuring that public discourse around high-profile cases is based on verified and factual information.
Nnamdi Kanu’s Case Reassigned to Another Judge at the Federal High Court
