RismadarVoice Reporters
June 19, 2026
Investigative journalist and farmer, Ibanga Isine, has accused a magistrate and court officials in Akwa Ibom State of violating his constitutional rights after he was allegedly ejected from a courtroom during proceedings involving a case arising from his petition against a suspected herder.
In a statement released on Friday, Isine described his experience at Magistrate Court 7, Uyo Magisterial District, on June 18, as a “deep humiliation” and a threat to press freedom, judicial transparency, and the right to a fair hearing.
According to him, the case, titled Commissioner of Police versus Abdullahi Yusuf, stemmed from repeated invasions of his commercial farms by herders and cattle, destroying crops, irrigation facilities, and investments worth millions of naira.
Isine said his farming enterprise, which operates in different parts of Uyo and employs about 20 workers directly, had suffered at least five separate invasions by cattle. He alleged that crops including cucumber and okra were destroyed, while farm workers were chased away by herders.
He further claimed that on one occasion, a herder allegedly threatened him with a cutlass after entering his farm.
The journalist stated that despite reporting the incidents to the Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, and seeking intervention from the state’s anti-open grazing task force and relevant government officials, the attacks continued.
He noted that one suspect, Abdullahi Yusuf, was eventually arrested and charged to court.
However, Isine alleged that throughout the prosecution process, he experienced difficulties obtaining information about court proceedings from the police prosecutor handling the matter. According to him, hearing dates were often not communicated, leaving him unaware of developments in a case that originated from his complaint.
The situation escalated on June 18 when journalists from several media organisations reportedly arrived at the court to cover proceedings in what Isine described as one of the first prosecutions linked to the enforcement of the Akwa Ibom State Anti-Open Grazing Law.
He alleged that court officials denied the journalists access to the courtroom despite the presentation of valid identification cards, insisting that they produce introduction letters from their media organisations.
According to Isine, no legal basis was provided for the restriction when he sought clarification from court officials.
He further alleged that Magistrate Godwin Edemekong ordered journalists who gained access to the courtroom to leave and subsequently directed that he also be removed from the court despite identifying himself as the complainant in the case.
“I was in court because the prosecutor specifically instructed me to attend,” Isine stated, adding that he was not allowed to explain his presence before being escorted out by police officers.
The journalist argued that his removal from proceedings involving his own complaint raises concerns about the constitutional right to a fair hearing and the principle of open justice.
He called on the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Fabian-Obot, to investigate the conduct of the magistrate and court officials involved in the incident.
He also urged the Nigerian Bar Association to examine the conduct of the police prosecutor regarding communication lapses and handling of the case.
Additionally, Isine appealed to Governor Umo Eno to strengthen enforcement of the state’s anti-open grazing law and provide greater protection for farmers and agricultural investments.
“The rule of law must protect farmers as much as it protects everyone else,” he said.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Akwa Ibom State Judiciary nor the Police had publicly responded to the allegations.
