Nnamdi Kanu’s Family, Journalists Denied Access To Court

Security operatives have denied journalists access to the courtroom to cover the trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Ezenwoko’s Blog reports that some lawyers, civil society groups and family members of the accused who were at the court were denied access to the courtroom by the operatives stationed at the entrance of the Ministry of Justice building.

According to the security agents, only accredited judiciary reporters would be allowed in, however, even accredited journalists were searched before gaining entrance into the premises.

Reacting, an activist, Deji Adeyanju, said: “At least even under military rule journalists would be given access to the courts.

“Members of the general public could also access the court. But today the reverse is the case. It is most unfortunate and unbelievable that this is supposed to be a democracy.

“Basically Nigerians should know that the President Muhammad Buhari regime has suspended the Constitution and we are practicing military rule in the country.”

Earlier, policemen and soldiers had taken over the premises of the Federal High Court in Abuja today ahead of the trial of the IPOB leader.

Operatives of the Department of State Security Services, DSS were also seen in the premises guarding every entrance to the court and the streets leading to the court building.

Recall that the Biafra leader was reportedly rearrested in Kenya and extradited back to Nigeria on the 27th of June, 2021.

The secessionist was then arraigned before Justice Binta Nyako who ordered his remand in the custody of the DSS until his next trial date which is July 26 and 27.

The DSS however failed to produce the Biafra activist in court on the said date citing logistics reasons, hence the postponement of the trial to today.