Journalists barred from courtroom as Nnamdi Kanu’s trial resumes
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Journalists were barred from courtroom as the trial of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, resumed on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Operatives of the Department of State Security (DSS) barred journalists and some court officials from gaining access to the premises.
The frustrated court workers and journalists were seen milling around and wearing heavy frowns.
The reason for the denial was not made known by government officials, though a handful of reporters from a list produced by the stern looking DSS operatives were allowed into the premises.
DSS officials had set up a barricade at the entrance of the Court and prevented reporters and officials from entering, resulting in angry scenes and arguments.
Most of the DSS operatives were masked as they were clad in their all black ensemble.
Gathered outside were frustrated family members, supporters, civil rights groups, lawyers, journalists and other members of the public, who were not allowed near the court.
Nnamdi Kanu’s Special Counsel, Alloy Ejimakor while addressing journalists said the lawyers who accompanied him were also denied access.
He, however, said that he will not enter the courtroom alone until the lawyers are allowed entry.
He said: “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s case is scheduled to be called up by 9:00 am. Now, the time is way past 9:00 am now.
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“They want to grab me and put me in the courtroom alone. I am not going into this courtroom alone.
“I am going in with this multitude of lawyers who have come to show solidarity. So I am standing outside here in protest.
“The lead counsel is on his way, these lawyers with me have come to show solidarity and support and they are being prevented from going into the court.
“This is wrong,” Ejimakor said.
Nnamdi Kanu is facing charges bordering on terrorism and treasonable felony charges brought against him by the Federal Government.
The Federal Government had filed seven amended charges bordering on treasonable felony and acts of terrorism against Kanu on Monday.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, filed the charges on behalf of the government.
