BREAKING: FHC Chief Judge rejects Nnamdi Kanu’s plea bargain, returns case file to Justice Nyako

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, Justice John Terhemba Tsoho, has turned down the plea of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to have Justice Binta Nyako recuse herself from his case.

According to reports from SaharaReporters, Justice Tsoho reaffirmed Justice Nyako’s role in the trial, sending the case file back to her. He emphasized that two previous judges had already recused themselves, and Kanu’s case, which has dragged on since 2015, needed someone familiar with its complexities. Justice Nyako, who has overseen the case for most of its duration, was deemed best suited to conclude it.

Justice Tsoho, however, noted that Kanu can still pursue Justice Nyako’s recusal if he files a formal motion with an affidavit outlining the reasons for his request.

Kanu’s Special Counsel, Barrister Aloy Ejimakor, confirmed the latest development and added that they were awaiting further notice from the Federal High Court regarding the next hearing.

Earlier, Kanu had requested Justice Nyako’s recusal, accusing her of ignoring Supreme Court orders, which prompted her initial decision to step back. This move introduces another twist to the ongoing legal battle.