From Mohammed to Omotosho: The Four Judges in Kanu's Case

By Paul Dada The prolonged legal proceedings against the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, have proven to be a...

By Paul Dada

The prolonged legal proceedings against the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, have proven to be among the most politically charged cases in the nation's history.

The ruling made by Justice James Omotosho on Thursday concludes a challenging legal process characterized by withdrawals, conflicts over trust, and multiple restarts under four different judges from the Federal High Court. Nevertheless, there remains an opportunity for appeals to the Court of Appeals and the Supreme Court.

Justice Ahmed Mohammed's withdrawal following allegations of bias

Justice Ahmed Mohammed, who is now a member of the Court of Appeal, was the first to oversee critical elements of the prosecution when the case commenced in 2015.

However, tensions surfaced when Kanu's legal team continuously claimed the judge was biased and subject to political pressure.

Justice Mohammed stepped down from the case, although he did not publicly state the reason for his decision. However, his withdrawal was associated with the significant pressure from both advocates and opponents of Kanu, which the court found challenging to handle. Additionally, the defense's allegations of potential bias reportedly led Justice Mohammed to abandon the case.

Justice John Tsoho's reported withdrawal amid protests by the defense

Justice John Tsoho, who later served as the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, assumed the case following Justice Mohammed. However, his involvement with the matter was also brief. Kanu's legal team claimed the judge made decisions that indicated a predetermined outcome. A complaint was submitted against him to the National Judicial Council.

Judge Tsoho withdrew from the case.

However, the Federal High Court stated in a document signed by its Chief Registrar that Justice Tsoho, who had been appointed as the Chief Judge, only transferred the case as part of his administrative responsibilities.

Justice Binta Nyako's withdrawal after Kanu stated he had no confidence in her

Justice Binta Nyako assumed the case from Justice Tsoho. She managed the case for a longer period compared to the earlier judges. However, she encountered difficulties with Kanu during hearings in 2024.

Kanu openly informed her in court that he had no trust in her. The defense team claimed she was biased, which hindered the case's advancement. Justice Nyako decided to step back to avoid additional conflict and ensure the court's integrity. "I hereby withdraw from the case and return the file to the Chief Judge," she stated.

Judge James Omotosho, who concluded the case

The case was moved in early 2025 to Justice James Kolawole Omotosh. He initiated the proceedings from the beginning and issued his ruling on Thursday, November 20th.

The judge sentenced him to life in prison for charges 1, 4, 5, and 6. For charge 3, he received a 20-year sentence without the possibility of a fine. Kanu was also given an additional five years for charge 7. The judge stated that all sentences should be served at the same time.

Justice Omotosho additionally directed that Kanu be transferred to a prison appropriate for his condition due to his history of violent behavior. Specifically, he mandated that he not be housed at Kuje Custodial Centre.

He claimed that Kanu utilized electronic devices to provoke violence. "Considering this, without any doubt, I support the prosecution; the convicted individual should not be permitted to use any digital device. And if he has to, it must be under the supervision of the National Security Adviser's office," the judge instructed.

Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).