The new judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja to whom the treason trial of self acclaimed leader of the separatist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu is assigned, may issue hearing notices to parties before the week runs out.

The Nation learnt that the case has now been re-assigned by the Chief Judge of the court, Justice John Tsoho from Justice Binta Nyako to Justice James Omotosho.

It was not clear as at Tuesday if the case file had been transmitted to the new judge’s court.

Hearing notices and other relevant information could only be communicated to parties after the new court is seised of the case file, a source told the Nation.

Meanwhile, the court’s Chief Registrar, Sulaiman Hassan has faulted resorts that the new judge, to which Kanu’s trial is assigned, has withdrawn.

Hassan, in a statement on Tuesday, described the report as false and misleading.

Part of the statement reads: “The Court unequivocally refutes the false and misleading report, alleging that the Honourable the Chief Judge, the Hon. Justice John T. Tsoho, OFR has stepped down from Nnamdi Kanu’s case and made statements regarding the legality of his arrest.

“This claim is entirely unfounded, fictitious, grossly mischievous, damaging in intent and should be disregarded in its entirety.

“The true position is that the Honourable Justice Tsoho, in his capacity as Chief Judge, has reassigned Nnamdi Kanu’s case from Honourable Justice Binta Nyako to another (‘new’) Judge.

“The report referred to, is therefore, totally spurious.

The defense team should hence prepare to receive instructions regarding the case, as may be issued by the new judge.

“The Federal High Court strongly cautions against deliberate misinformation to mislead the public and erode confidence in the judicial system.

“We urge the general public to be wary and rely only on verified information from official Court sources.

“The court remains steadfast in upholding justice through due process of the law.

Any further inquiries should be directed to the Court’s Information Department.” (The Nation)