Justice John Tsoho, the trial judge in the case of detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nanmdi Kanu, has withdrawn from the hearing the suit.
Tsoho of the Federal High Court, Abuja announced his withdrawal on Monday.
This followed the allegation of bias against the judge by Kanu.
Kanu’s position was stated by his lawyer, Chuks Mouma.
Tsoho said the case file has been returned to the Chief Justice of the Federal High Court, Justice 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 protesting the handling of the trial.
He said: “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.”
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.”
Nnamdi Kanu: Trial judge withdraws from case
