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, accusing them of disregarding court rulings.
In a statement signed by Prince Emmanuel Kanu, the family expressed concern that the judges’ refusal to comply with valid court judgments had damaged the reputation of Nigeria’s judiciary.
They commended the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, for stepping in to ensure that Kanu’s prolonged trial was reassigned to another judge.
“We welcome the timely intervention of the Honourable Chief Justice of Nigeria in ensuring that Nnamdi Kanu’s trial is assigned to a competent and impartial judge,” the statement read.
“It is shocking that it took public pressure and the involvement of Nigeria’s most senior judicial officer for Justice Nyako to obey her own order of recusal.”
The family criticized both Justice Tsoho and Justice Nyako, stating that their actions undermined the judiciary.
“In any country that values the rule of law, both the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court and Justice Nyako should face sanctions for bringing the judiciary into disrepute. How can a judge refuse to obey a court order?”
Kanu remains in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS), despite multiple court rulings that discharged and acquitted him of treason-related charges.
The Nigerian government, however, has continued to prosecute him on terrorism charges.
In September 2024, Kanu requested that Justice Nyako recuse herself from his case, citing a lack of confidence in her impartiality.
She eventually withdrew and transferred the case to Justice Tsoho, who refused to take it on and directed her to continue handling it.
Justice Tsoho later adjourned the case indefinitely in December 2024, further delaying the legal proceedings.
However, following pressure from Kanu’s legal team and public outcry, his trial has now been reassigned to a new judge.
