By Unini Chioma 

The High Court of Abia State on Friday restrained security agencies from barricading, blocking courts during proceedings unless granted permission by the head of the court.

The order was handed down during the proceedings in the case of HIN/FR/14/2021, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu Vs Federal Republic of Nigeria and seven others, stating that such requests must be in writing.

The order further stated: “There must not be any arrests in the premises and vicinity of any court, particularly in this court except as ordered by a court of competent jurisdiction.”

The court presided over by Justice Benson Anya further barred the security agencies from restricting legal practitioners, litigants and the members of the public, and “that only the prison officials and policemen posted on official court duties are allowed within the court.”

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

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

The matter brought before the court by Kanu’s lawyer, Alloy Ejimakor bothering on the release of Kanu, among others was adjourned to December 10.