Journalists humiliated, barred from A’Ibom court
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has condemned the obstruction, humiliation and forcible removal of reporters from an open court by Magistrate Godwin Edemekong, his court clerk and police officers attached to Magistrate Court 7 on Fulga Street, Uyo.
Journalists were to cover proceedings in the matter between the Commissioner of Police and Abdullahi Yusuf, a herder; a case deemed to be of legitimate public interest.
*NUJ
*NUJ demands accountability
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has condemned the obstruction, humiliation and forcible removal of reporters from an open court by Magistrate Godwin Edemekong, his court clerk and police officers attached to Magistrate Court 7 on Fulga Street, Uyo.
Journalists were to cover proceedings in the matter between the Commissioner of Police and Abdullahi Yusuf, a herder; a case deemed to be of legitimate public interest.
According to a statement issued by Comrade Nsikak Esenowo, State Secretary, NUJ Akwa Ibom Council, on Friday, 19 June 2026, the journalists were arbitrarily stopped, harassed and ejected, despite the fact that such hearings are not private proceedings.
The statement describes the conduct as a direct attack on open justice, transparency and press freedom: rights enshrined in Sections 22 and 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999.
“A judiciary that operates behind closed doors and treats the press with hostility cannot claim democratic legitimacy.
“Journalists are not enemies of the court; we safeguard the public’s right to know and monitor due process. To view the media as a threat weakens accountability and encourages impunity.”
In response, the NUJ has issued three formal demands, which include an immediate public explanation. Magistrate Godwin Edemekong must publicly state the legal authority, if any, relied upon to bar and humiliate reporters from an open hearing.
*Unreserved apology: A formal apology to the affected journalists, their organisations and the NUJ for the misuse of authority and unprofessional behaviour.
*Investigation and disciplinary action. The union calls on the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Fabian‑Obot, and the National Judicial Council to examine the incident thoroughly and impose appropriate sanctions to prevent repetition.
The council warned that it will not accept a growing trend of restricting media access within courts.
“We will resist by all lawful means any attempt to conduct judicial business in secrecy,” it declared.
“The rule of law cannot survive in darkness; the press must be free to shine a light in every courtroom, without fear or favour.”
