The legal battle involving the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, took a new turn on Monday as a Federal High Court judge transferred his pending motion to the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court for reassignment.
Kanu, who has been in custody since June 2021, is facing terrorism-related charges filed by the Federal Government. His legal team had filed fresh motions challenging both his continued detention and aspects of the proceedings against him.
At the resumed hearing, the presiding judge declined to entertain arguments on the applications, citing the need for administrative reassignment. The judge subsequently referred the matter to the office of the Chief Judge, Justice John Tsoho, for appropriate action.
According to court officials, the reassignment move is procedural and aimed at ensuring proper handling of the sensitive case, which has attracted national and international attention.
Counsel to Kanu expressed mixed reactions, noting that while the transfer might delay the hearing of their client’s applications, they remain hopeful that the Chief Judge will act promptly.
“The delay in hearing these motions further prolongs the unlawful detention of our client, but we trust that justice will not be denied,” a member of the defense team told reporters outside the courtroom.
On the government’s side, prosecution lawyers maintained that the move does not affect the substance of the case and insisted that Kanu must face trial over the charges.
Nnamdi Kanu’s case has remained one of the most high-profile trials in Nigeria, sparking heated debates over human rights, secessionist agitations, and the government’s response to dissent. With the latest development, all eyes are now on the Chief Judge’s office to determine the next steps in the reassignment process.
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