Police, DSS, Other Security Agencies banned from Blocking, Making Arrests in Court Premises

• The Abia state High Court has restrained security agencies from barricading, blocking courts during proceedings
• This order was given by Justice Benson Anya, who insist security agencies have no right to prevent people from having access to the court during sessions
• This order by Justice Anya was followed by the court proceedings of Nnamdi Kanu vs the Federal Republic of Nigeria and seven others

Abia state- The Abia State High Court has issued an order restraining the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Department of State Services (DSS) and other security agencies from blocking access to the premises and courtrooms of Abia State High Court or any other court during proceedings.

The order was handed down by Justice Benson Anya, who said that security agencies have no right to prevent people from having access to the court, while “there must not be any arrests in the premises and vicinity of any court, except as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction.”

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This Day reports that he gave the order following the court proceedings on Friday, November 19, in the case of HIN/FR/14/2021 Nnamdi Kanu Vs Federal Republic of Nigeria and seven others.

The judge declared that restriction “in any guise as unconstitutional, illegal, and abuse of integrity and sanctity of the court of law, The Nigerian Tribune also reported.

It warned, “that the federal government and all parties concerned must protect the sanctity of the judiciary, the freedom and constitutional rights of people.”

He said:

“It is hereby declared unlawful to restrict the citizens and the members of the public access to the courtroom and the court premises during the working hours of the court.

“It is also declared that the act of barricading the court, blocking roads leading to the court and impeding access to the court premises and the court rooms in a democratic society by any person under any guise is unconstitutional, illegal and abuse of the integrity and sanctity of the court of law.”

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The judge also frowned on the disruptive activities of security agencies during court proceedings, noting that “in the administration of justice, only the person officials and policemen posted on official court duties are allowed within the court of law and it is so ordered.”

The case was adjourned to Friday, December 10, 2021 for motion.

Osinbajo, Olanipekun, Judges, others harp on Justice reforms

Meanwhile, Legit.ng had earlier reported that it was a gathering of jurists and eminent lawyers from across the country and the focus was on justice reforms, as they all discussed with the Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo, and Chief Wole Olanipekun who was celebrating his 70th birthday in Lagos on Friday, November 19.

The forum was the second justice summit organised by Wole Olanipekun & Co, one of Nigeria's foremost law firms.

Speaking on the importance of integrity of the legal process and its key actors, judges, and lawyers, VP Osinbajo said:

Source: Legit.ng