KANU, IPOB Leader’s Trial: FG Bars Most Journalists From Coverage Of Proceedings, Restricts Movement Around Premises

Federal Government has barred most media organizations from the coverage of trial proceedings of Leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, which commences Monday, 26th July, 2021 at the Federal High Court Abuja.

It has also restricted vehicular movements around the premises of the court and advised that those working within the place should seek alternative routes.

These, has however generated condemnation from the public, especially the exclusion of most Journalists from coverage, except 10 media organizations which approval was effected on 23rd July, 2021.

According to the approval memo, signed by Catherine Oby Christopher, Chief Information Officer, Federal High Court Abuja, referenced FHC/ABJ/INFOR/026, it was entitled “Media Accreditation For Nnamdi Kanu’s Trial.”

It reads in part, ” Find below the Journalists that will be allowed entrance to the court’s premises for the above-mentioned trial.

“Above for your information and necessary action, please.”

But Chidi Odinkalu, a civil society activist, criticised the decision, saying
“The SSS has no power to “accredit” media coverage of any court proceedings in #Nigeria. Those media houses who claim to be “accredited” for the purpose of covering any proceedings are themselves aiding an obvious & egregious breach of the constitution

“From what I understand, SSS presented a list which has been rubber-stamped under the name of an information officer in the Federal High Court. This officer does not, however, have powers of a court. Only the court undertaking the trial has this power to exclude anyone from a trial.

“The assertion by the SSS, therefore, to “accredit media for purposes of covering a trial in #Nigeria is clearly not allowed under the constitution & violates the principle of separation of powers. If the judiciary chooses not to defend itself, @NigBarAssoc
should not let this lie.

“Look, the #Nigerian constitution is clear in s. 36(3), 1st, all legal proceedings as a general rule “shall be held in public.”

However, under s. 36(4)(a), “a court may exclude exclude from its proceedings persons under than the parties thereto or their legal representatives….” for named reasons. That power is explicitly within the judiciary. Last I checked, the SSS was in the presidency.”