RismadarVoice Reporters
June 19, 2026
The Nigeria Union of Journalists has strongly condemned the alleged harassment, intimidation, and ejection of journalists from a court proceeding at Magistrate Court 7, Fulga Street, Uyo; describing the incident as an attack on press freedom and the principles of open justice.
In a statement issued on June 19, 2026, and signed by the Secretary, Nsikak Esenowo, the union accused Magistrate Godwin Edemekong, his court clerk, and police personnel attached to the court of preventing journalists from carrying out their lawful duties while covering proceedings in a case involving the Commissioner of Police and one Abdullahi Yusuf.
According to the NUJ, journalists assigned to report on the matter, which it described as being of significant public interest, were allegedly barred from the courtroom, harassed, and forcibly removed despite the proceedings taking place in an open court.
The union argued that the action violates constitutional provisions guaranteeing freedom of expression and press freedom, particularly Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It maintained that transparency and public access are fundamental principles of the justice system and that courts should not operate in secrecy.
The NUJ emphasised that journalists serve as watchdogs of society and play a critical role in informing the public about judicial proceedings and matters of public concern. It warned that treating members of the press as adversaries undermines accountability and public confidence in democratic institutions.
As part of its demands, the union called on Magistrate Edemekong to publicly explain the legal basis for the alleged decision to prevent journalists from covering the proceedings. It also demanded an unreserved apology to the affected journalists, their media organisations, and the NUJ.
Furthermore, the union urged the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Fabian-Obot, and the National Judicial Council to investigate the incident and take appropriate disciplinary action if any misconduct is established.
The NUJ stated that it would resist any attempt to restrict legitimate media coverage of court proceedings through lawful means, stressing that transparency remains essential to the administration of justice.
The union maintained that a free press remains vital to democracy and that journalists must be allowed to perform their constitutional responsibilities without intimidation, obstruction, or fear.
