In a dramatic turn of events, armed operatives from the Department of State Services (DSS) have assumed control of the security arrangements at the Supreme Court in anticipation of a crucial judgment in a suit brought by the Federal Government against Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The highly anticipated judgment, seen by many as a make-or-break moment, is scheduled to be delivered by the apex court this morning.
DSS personnel effectively barricaded the road leading to the court and the Villa gate, denying access to litigants and sympathizers of the self-proclaimed IPOB leader. Even journalists accredited by the Supreme Court, equipped with official tags, were initially turned away from accessing the court premises.
It required the intervention of high-ranking officials of the court before the DSS operatives reluctantly permitted the entry of journalists. The main entrance to the courtroom itself was obstructed by an unmarked security vehicle, where journalists underwent thorough frisking before gaining entry.
As of the time of this report, the panel led by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun is awaited to announce the decision of the court.
The Supreme Court had previously scheduled today, October 5, for the delivery of judgment on the appeal seeking to compel the Federal Government to release Nnamdi Kanu from detention. A five-member panel, led by Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, had given the green light for judgment after the final briefs of argument from both parties’ counsel were adopted.
