The trial of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been reassigned to a new judge.
The move, confirmed through two letters received by Kanu’s legal team yesterday, marks a major shift in a case that has sparked intense national and international debate.
The first letter, issued by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Kudirat Kekere- Ekun, came in response to an urgent appeal from Kanu’s legal team seeking her administrative intervention to reassign the case.
The second, sent by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, formally announced the reassignment of the trial to a new judge. This follows a six-month stalemate caused by the recusal of the previous judge.
Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s lead counsel, in a statement lauded the swift action by the judiciary, calling it a victory for justice and due process.
“This marks a pivotal step toward ensuring that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu receives a fair trial,”
“We extend our gratitude to the Chief Justice and the public for standing by our righteous demand for lawful judicial proceedings.” Ejimakor said.
The reassignment has been hailed as a breakthrough after months of legal uncertainty.
Since September 2024, when the initial judge stepped down, the case has faced procedural hurdles that Kanu’s legal team argued endangered his constitutional rights, including the right to a fair and speedy trial.
“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has always been prepared to defend his innocence,”
“The delay has been deeply concerning, but this reassignment gives us hope that the rule of law will prevail.” Ejimakor stated.
