Journalists reporting the treasonable felony accusations against Nnamdi Kanu have been barred from covering the hearings, according to a controversial Practice Directions issued on Thursday by Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho.
On the claimed direction of Justice Binta Nyako, journalists from both national and foreign media organizations were barred from entering the courtroom.
Despite the fact that they had been cleared by Department of State Services (DSS) personnel to enter the courtroom, the entrance door was forcefully barred against them without explanation.
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Following an order that media practitioners be barred from observing or covering the proceedings, all attempts by security personnel to access the door were futile.
Although Justice Nyako was scheduled to rule by 12 p.m. on Kanu’s challenge to the 15-count accusations, the door to the courtroom was sealed about 11 a.m., when the accredited media men had gathered by the court’s 5th floor door.
In the Practice Directions he issued less than 24 hours before the commencement of Kanu’s trial, the Chief Judge stated that terrorism-related accusations will henceforth be heard in camera.
Justice Tsoho further stated that any report on a terrorist trial that was not approved in advance would be punished.
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The contentious Practice Directions made public by the Chief Information of the Court, Catherine Christopher had since drawn wide condemnations from the general public who described the law as oppressive, a violation of Nigeria’s Constitutional provisions and a revival of the colonial laws.
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