Nnamdi Kanu: Security Alert In Abuja As Trial Resumes Today

There is high security alert in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as the Federal Government lines up charges to resume the trial of leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, today, Monday July 26, 2021.

With the statement released by IPOB urging their members and those they described as other well-meaning Nigerians to come out in support of their detained leader, tension and apprehension seem to have engulfed the nation’s capital city with heavy security presence in strategic locations.

Forefront correspondents report that security has been beefed up across the city, especially around the Maitama District that host the Federal High Court, venue of today’s court session

It was also noticed major entry and exit point into the high brow district that currently play host to many top profile government agencies are being well manned by combat-ready Policemen, officers from Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) personnel.

Before noon on Sunday July 25, 2021, Maitama District wore a different look with areas surrounding the Federal High Court, enjoying heavy security presence as individuals and cars were being frisked by officials on duty

Specifically, operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) had been deployed to the entrance of the court premises. Some of them were also sighted in parts of the Ministry of Justice building.

Though there has been no official security alert, the palpable tension has already led some groups to offer unsolicited advice on movement within city today.

One of such messages reads; “ABUJA 2130hrs: Due to the arraignment of Nnamdi KANU on Monday 26/7/2021, situational awareness is meant to be observed as there might be traffic on major entry points in and around FCT.

“Also, there is credible intelligence of planned IPOB/ESN protest within the City.”

“You are advised to plan personal movement properly”, the message further said.

Meanwhile, there are also reports that hospitality services around the vicinity of the court have also been affected; with many patrons of hotels and restaurants facing enquiries from DSS operatives who have restricted free movements in the affected areas.

From all indications, the likelihood of witnessing any crowd, comprising supporters of the IPOB Leader, in and around the court premises seem quite remote given the official restrictions and security arrangements in place.

Already affected by the official restriction order is the media with just a few accredited to cover the proceedings.

A statement signed BH the Chief Information Officer of the Federal High Court of Nigeria listed only 10 media houses as those accredited to cover the trial.

The media include Nigerian Television Authority (NTA); Channels Television; AIT; Nation Newspaper; and This Day Newspaper. Others are News Agency of Nigeria (NAN); TVC; Herald Newspaper; Online Premium Times; and Daily Independent Newspaper.

The IPOB, who became a fugitive after jumping bail, is currently standing trial over various charges, including treasonable felony, illegal possession of arms, and terrorism among others. The Federal Government is also accusing him of inciting attacks against security forces in the country.