The Traffic

Shocking Twist in Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial: Case Reassigned to New Judge!

By Achimi Muktar

In a surprising turn of events, the case of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been reassigned to a new judge at the Federal High Court. This major development, confirmed on Saturday by Kanu’s lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, marks a significant shift in the long-running legal battle.

The Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John Tsoho, approved the reassignment following months of uncertainty after the previous judge recused himself from the case in September 2024.

A Long-Awaited Decision

Ejimakor, speaking on behalf of Kanu’s legal team, disclosed that they received two crucial letters before visiting their client. The first letter, from the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria, was a response to their plea for a lawful reassignment of the case. The second, from the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, officially confirmed the case’s transfer to a new judge.

"This decision is momentous," Ejimakor said, "and though it comes after months of delays, it is a necessary step toward ensuring justice."

Kanu Speaks from Detention

From his detention facility, Nnamdi Kanu wasted no time in expressing gratitude for the intervention. He directed his legal team to publicly thank the Chief Justice of Nigeria for swiftly addressing the matter.

"He also expressed profound appreciation to members of the general public who stood by him, demanding that the case be reassigned as required by law," Ejimakor added.

Kanu, who has been in detention since his controversial extradition to Nigeria in 2021, remains steadfast in his claims of innocence.

A Battle for Justice

For Kanu and his supporters, the past six months have been frustrating. Since the judge recused himself, the case has been in limbo, raising concerns over Kanu’s constitutional right to a fair and speedy trial.

"The perverse events since September posed serious threats to his legal rights," Ejimakor explained. "This reassignment is the first step toward correcting those injustices."

Now, with a new judge in place, Kanu’s legal team is preparing for what could be a defining moment in the trial.

What’s Next?

As the dust settles on this latest twist, all eyes are now on the Federal High Court to see how the new judge will handle the case. Will this reassignment finally set the stage for a fair trial, or will it be another chapter in a legal saga that has gripped the nation?

One thing is certain—this case is far from over.