The family of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has called for disciplinary action against the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, and Justice Binta Nyako for allegedly disobeying valid court orders.
In a statement signed by Prince Emmanuel Kanu, the family accused the judges of bringing the judiciary into disrepute by failing to comply with legal rulings. They also commended the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, for intervening in the long-standing legal battle and ensuring the reassignment of Kanu’s trial to another judge.
“We welcome the timely intervention of the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria in ensuring that the decade-long sham trial of Nnamdi Kanu is duly assigned to a competent judge untainted by bias or undue influence,” the statement read.
The family expressed outrage that it took public pressure and the Chief Justice’s involvement for Justice Nyako to comply with her own recusal order. They insisted that both Justices Tsoho and Nyako should face sanctions for disregarding judicial orders.
“In any country that upholds the rule of law, both the Chief Judge and the presiding judge who issued the recusal order would be sanctioned for undermining the judiciary,” the statement added.
Kanu, who remains in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) despite multiple court rulings discharging him of treason-related charges, was re-arraigned on terrorism allegations by the Nigerian government.
His legal battle took another turn in September 2024 when he requested Justice Nyako’s recusal, citing a lack of confidence in her impartiality. Although she stepped down and transferred the case file to Justice Tsoho, he refused to take it up and ordered her to continue handling the case.
In December, Justice Tsoho indefinitely adjourned the trial. However, following intensified calls from Kanu’s legal team, the case has now been reassigned to a new judge.
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