Lawyers representing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), have formally requested the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, Justice John T. Tsoho, to transfer his trial from the Abuja Division to any Federal High Court in the Southeast.

In a letter addressed to Justice Tsoho, Kanu’s lead counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, argued that the transfer is necessary following the recusal of Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako from the case on September 24, 2024.

According to Ejimakor, in a letter dated January 30 but sighted on Saturday, no judge in the Abuja Division has agreed to take over the case, leading to the file being sent back to Justice Murtala-Nyako, despite her recusal.

The counsel on record, Ejimakor contend that this development raises serious legal concerns, as the judge who voluntarily stepped down from the case no longer has jurisdiction.

They also assert that the alleged offenses in the case have more connection to the Southeast than Abuja, thereby making courts in that region more suitable for the trial.

Citing relevant legal provisions, including Order 49, Rule 3 of the Federal High Court Rules 2019 and Section 45 of the Federal High Court Act, the legal team referenced the case of Ibori vs. FRN (2009) to support their argument that the matter should be tried in a jurisdiction with direct relevance to the alleged crimes.

“We respectfully request that our humble application be considered and granted before the hearing scheduled for 10th February 2025 to prevent a grave miscarriage of justice to the Defendant,” the letter reads in part.

Kanu has since 2015 been facing charges related to treasonable felony and terrorism, has consistently challenged the jurisdiction of the Abuja court to hear the matter.