The detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has petitioned the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, requesting that his case be reassigned to another judge with proper jurisdiction.

In a letter to the CJN, Kanu’s legal team, led by Aloy Ejimakor, argued that Justice Binta Nyako, who is currently handling the case, had previously recused herself due to allegations of bias raised by Kanu.

Kanu is facing seven terrorism-related charges brought against him by the Federal Government. Ejimakor emphasized that legal principles dictate that once a judge recuses themselves, they are disqualified from further involvement in the case.

He urged the CJN to intervene administratively to ensure a reassignment, stating, “Once a judge voluntarily recuses themselves, they are legally disqualified from further proceedings. A decision or order of recusal is akin to a ruling on jurisdiction and cannot be reversed arbitrarily.”

Ejimakor also warned that allowing a judge who had previously recused themselves to resume the case could damage public trust in the judiciary. “Judicial integrity is crucial. If a judge unilaterally resumes a case after recusal, it creates a perception of partiality and undermines confidence in the judicial process,” he stated.

He further revealed that Kanu had filed a formal complaint against Justice Nyako with the National Judicial Council (NJC) on January 14, 2025, and that the petition was still pending.

Ejimakor called on the CJN to use her authority to ensure a fair trial, either by transferring the case to another judge in Abuja or moving it to a court in the South-East.

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