AbdulFatah Ahmed

Journalists were barred by the Federal High Court in Ilorin from entering the premises to cover the trial of the former governor of Kwara State, AbdulFatah Ahmed.

The former governor was brought to court on Friday for trial over N10 billion of the state fund he allegedly misappropriated.

He was brought into the Federal High Court at FATE Road in Ilorin by 8:50 am for the trial.

The police and court registrar prevented journalists from entering the court, saying they are acting on orders from above.

Speaking with newsmen outside the court premises, Wahab Oba, Chief Press Secretary to the ex-governor, lamented what he described as a secret trial of his principal, saying the trial was a political prosecution.

“The former governor Dr. Ahmed is supposed to be arraigned by the EFCC so we are here to witness the commencement of the trial. Ordinarily the court is an open place, our concern is that the trial should be transparent and open.

“We cannot understand why the police have denied journalists from covering the event,” Oba said.

As of press time, journalists were gathered on the street, awaiting the arrival of the judge, and the outcome of the trial.