Journalists barred as EFCC arraigns ex-Kwara Gov, Abdulfatah Ahmed

Journalists are being prevented from reporting arraignment of the immediate past governor of Kwara, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, at the federal high court, Ilorin.

The former governor was brought before the court on Friday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for trial over alleged N10 billion financial mismanagement while in office.

The journalists, from both electronic and print media houses, who thronged the court as early as 8:00 am on Friday were prevented from entering the court premises by policemen and court registrar, saying that they were acting on orders from above.

The former governor was brought into the Federal high court located at Fate Road Ilorin at about 8: 50am for the trial.

The journalists are presently gathered on the road, awaiting the arrival of the judge and the outcome of the trial.

Speaking on the development, the former Chief Press Secretary to the former governor, Abdulwahab Oba, who was also in court, described the development as political persecution and not fighting against corruption.

“This is simply political persecution. Why should he be tried in secret? This has always been our fear. The other time they held him for more than enough days at the EFCC.

“I’ve always said that my principal is not opposed to his being called upon to account for his stewardship, but what has been happening is very unfortunate. We know those who are behind all these. One day, they will leave the office, and the law of karma will catch up with them”.

Biola Azeez