Another judge, John
Tsoho, handling Nnamdi Kanu’s trial, has returned the case file to Ibrahim
Auta, Chief Justice of Federal High Court, for reassignment. This was
sequel to an application by the legal team of Kanu led by Chuks Muoma, claiming
that the court was biased in its handling of the matter.
"We are only asking the court to hands off; my client has
lost confidence in this court," he said.
Muoma said any proceedings in the case, following the claim
that a petition was written to the National Judicial Council (NJC) to protest
against the court, would “stifle it”.
“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,” he said.
“I would urge you that you transfer the matter; I would
suggest that it be sent back to the CJ.”
Responding, the judge 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.”
He said that making a ruling on the said application
was an attempt to “pre-empt” the outcome of the petition sent by Kanu’s lawyers
to the CJ.
However, in a ruling, the judge who prevented the
prosecuting counsel from speaking, said: “This case is hereby transferred to
the CJ.”
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