The trial judge of detained leader of the Indigenous People of
Biafra, IPOB, Nanmdi Kanu, Justice John Tsoho on Monday withdrew from the
ongoing case.
Tsoho announced his withdrawal from the trial at the Federal High
Court, Abuja, while reacting to an application by Kanu’s lawyer, Chuks Mouma,
who accused him of bias in the handling of the matter.
He said Kanu’s case file has been returned to the Chief Justice of
the Court, Ibrahim Auta for reassignment.
Mouma, had accused the court of acting in line with the suggestion
of President Muhammadu Buhari that the incarcerated IPOB leader will not be
released under any circumstance.
According to Mouma, the court should hands off the proceedings in
line with a petition written to the National Judicial Council, NJC, to protest
the judges handling of Kanu’s trial.
“We are only asking the court to hands off; my client has lost
confidence in this court.
“I understand that there is a letter to NJC, though I haven’t seen
it and the CJ has replied saying that the matter will be investigated.
“I would urge you that you transfer the matter; I would suggest
that it be sent back to the CJ,” he said.
Reacting to Mouma’s submission, Justice Tsoho said, “I have no
interest in trying your matter and I will return it to the CJ, but I will
condemn the attitude of that counsel. I do not care if you take your case to
another planet.
“This case is hereby transferred to the CJ.”
Kanu who is currently standing trial before Justice Tsoho for
charges bordering on treasonable felony had faulted the judge over his handling
of his case.
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