RismadarVoice Reporters
May 9, 2026
The Nigeria Union of Journalists, Sokoto State Council, has organised a one-day training workshop aimed at improving journalists’ competence in judicial reporting and ethical news writing.
The workshop, held in Sokoto on Saturday, brought together journalists, legal practitioners, government officials, and former union leaders to discuss professionalism, fairness, and accuracy in the coverage of court proceedings.
Speaking at the event, the council chairman, Usman Binji, described the training as part of deliberate efforts to deepen journalists’ understanding of legal processes and strengthen responsible reporting practices.
“This gathering is not just another training session. It is a deliberate effort to build the capacity of journalists in reporting and promoting responsible news writing in our communities,” he said.
Binji noted that court reporting remains one of the most sensitive aspects of journalism, requiring reporters to demonstrate accuracy, balance, patience, and strong ethical judgment.
According to him, the workshop theme, Accurate Court Reporting: A Pillar of Justice and Public Trust, reflects the critical role of the media in sustaining democracy and public confidence through factual and balanced reporting.
He also warned against the growing spread of misinformation and stressed the need for journalists to remain committed to truth and professional ethics, particularly in reporting legal matters.
Representing the Sokoto State Government, Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Sambo Bello Danchadi, commended the NUJ for organising the programme, noting that inaccurate or sensational reporting of court proceedings could undermine public trust in the justice system.
“Reporting judicial matters requires professionalism, accuracy, fairness and a deep understanding of legal procedures,” he said.
Danchadi advised media organisations to assign experienced reporters to judicial beats, given the technical nature of legal language and courtroom processes.
He also reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Ahmed Aliyu’s administration to supporting professional journalism and responsible dissemination of information.
Director-General of Media and Publicity to the Governor, Abubakar Bawa, called for more frequent training on media law, particularly with the increasing number of radio stations operating in the state.
Former NUJ chairman Isaac Shuni urged journalists to maintain neutrality as political activities ahead of the 2027 elections begin to intensify.
“Journalists are expected to be fair and balanced. Even if you have political interests, keep them aside while doing your job,” he said.
Another former chairman, Sajo Sanyinna, described court reporting as a specialised field that demands mentorship and familiarity with legal terminology.
Also speaking at the workshop, the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Nasiru Binji, represented by the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary, Lambo Sambo Wali, cautioned journalists against interpreting court judgments beyond what judges officially pronounce.
“You should report court decisions as delivered. It is not the duty of journalists to interpret judgments,” he said.
The workshop featured presentations by veteran journalists Abdallah El-Kurebe and Bashir Rabe Mani, as well as the Chief Registrar of the Sokoto State Court of Appeal, Fatima Umar Dewa.
