Court Orders FG To Ensure Safety Of Nigerian Journalists

The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Federal Government to ensure the safety of Nigerian journalists.

The Incorporated Trustees of Media Rights Agenda had sued the Attorney-General of the Federation seeking several reliefs including a declaration that the killing of Nigerian journalists is a violation of their fundamental rights to life.

The applicant, through its lawyer, Mojirayo Nkana, said there have been various violations of the Nigerian journalists’ right to life for several years.

She said some journalists are still being harassed by security agencies with the AGF allegedly doing nothing about it.

The applicant deposed an affidavit showing the names of journalists killed at different times in 1986, 1998, 1999, 2008 and 2023.

Passing his judgement on Friday, Justice Inyang Ekwo held that it is noteworthy that Nigeria ratified several international treaties regarding the protection of fundamental human rights and the country’s government is legally bound by the treaties and is obligated to enforce same.

He said that society is better informed when there is an effective press, adding that the respondent has not denied that journalists were killed.

“It is deemed therefore that the respondents have admitted that the persons mentioned in the affidavit were journalists who were killed,” Ekwo said.

The judge said an extrajudicial act cannot take place without the Federal Government investigating and prosecuting them.

The judge found that the applicant has established its case and judgement was entered in its favor.

“I make an order directing the federal government to take measures to raise awareness and build the capacity of various stakeholders particularly journalists and other media practitioners, policymakers, law enforcement, security, intelligence, military as well as other officials on the laws and standards in ensuring the safety of journalists and media practitioners,” Ekwo ruled.