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Lazy Nigerian Journalists and the Principle of Sub Judice: Would Lai Mohammed Now Go to Jail?
A matter is said to be sub judice when a case is before a court or judge for determination. In other words, the matter is pending in a court, awaiting judgment.
The Honourable Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has rightly confirmed that there may be no known law that bars anyone, including parties to a suit or third parties from making public statements on cases pending in Nigerian courts.
Therefore, the culture of press freedom in Nigeria from time immemorial allows citizens either as parties or journalists to freely make comments or write stories respectively on pending cases unless there are express orders of court, restricting such comments or stories based either on the application to court by any of the parties or by the judge suo moto ( on his own will). Such orders are popularly known as ‘gag orders’.
It is usual to see and hear lawyers, especially Senior Advocates of Nigeria addressing the press immediately after court sessions, where they make comments on cases where they had immediately appeared as counsel.
The misuse of the principle of sub judice by journalists
The misapplication of the principle of sub judice has been an excuse by lazy journalists who do not have the commitment to conduct research or investigation and write stories on particular matters that are in court. They simply cite such matters as being sub judice , just because they are pending in court. That lame excuse is also, most times, adopted by parties to a suit.
It should be noted that the law courts are where the real news reside. In fact, the socioeconomic development of a country can be largely determined in the courts. That accounts for the social engineering function of law. Only superficial media organisations would avoid the courts as a place to authentic gather news.
The Statement of the CJN
It became very worrisome when a statement was some time in January, 2018 credited to His Lordship, the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), the Hon. Justice Walter Onnoghen wherein he was quoted that commentators on live, pending cases could go to jail. With greatest respect to the most reverred CJN, if he did authorise that statement, then, that position cannot be correct as it is against our known and established legal culture in Nigeria.
Of course, yes! Anyone who disobeys an order of a judge restricting public comments on a live case could most certainly go to jail on the
grounds of contempt of court.
If the statement credited to the CJN is to be taken seriously then Lai Mohammed should be prepared to face contempt proceedings and possibly be sent to jail for recently making controversial public statements on live criminal cases where the government that he legally represents is a party that is prosecuting Nigerians that are presumed to be innocent.
Would Lai Mohammed now go to jail?
Lai Mohammed recently held a press conference and published names of looters with attached amounts allegedly stolen by the persons he listed in spite of the fact that these said persons are currently facing trials in Nigerian courts on those same allegations. Nothing could be more flagrant and dismissive of the CJN’s warnings regarding making comments on live cases and risking going to jail.
Yet, Lai Mohammed is in order for there is no known order that bars him from publishing such a statement on looters. It is both an excercise of his constitutional duties under Section 24 and 148 and, his constitutional right under Section 39 , all contained in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered )
The most highly respected CJN should therefore exercise his enormous powers by making practice directions regarding public commentary on pending or live cases in order to add Nigeria to the number of few juridictions in the world which regulate comments on on-going cases by parties and third parties.
Let the Public Commentary Continue Where there is no Gag Order
Come to think of it? Nigeria, doesn’t need a regime of gag orders. Let everything, including pending cases be talked and written about freely. In a country where corruption largely operates as the public order why would for example, parties to cases of corruption prevent public statements to be made simply because they are involved in a pending case. That is an undemocratic culture. Let there be constact public discourses by everyone, even by parties to a suit provided they do nother dispar age the court. Why should a trained judge be swayed in his judgments by statements made in public regarding a case pending before him?
The crux of this writing is the angst flowing from a Nigerian press that has become incipient of listlessness, striving to be both politically and commercially correct at the expense of a journalistic duty contained in Section 22 of the Constitution of Nigeria which imposes the duty to uphold truth at all times and expose public and,nprivate corruption.
Journalists and media houses in Nigeria are now largely in short of courageous men and women who are committed to bold and factual journalism that transforms a people and country. Many of them are driven by bare necessities hence, they would clutch feverishly on the excuse that a matter is sub judice and therefore turn themselves to perpetual reporters of second hand news which has become the norm in this age of the Internet.
Journalist our only hope for now
The press, media houses have the greatest responsibility of sustaining democracy and hope for a better life in Nigerian. Owners and practitioners in the media must realise that it is self-preservatory for individuals and as a nation to boldly report news dispassionately.
The value of the looking glass concept which would make a people and a country correct itself and make improvements can only be served by a courageous press.
Frank Tietie
Lawyer and Executive Director of Citizens Advocacy for Social & Economic Rights ( CASER ), writes from Abuja.
The Guild of Private Broadcast Managers has extended its heartfelt congratulations to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) as it celebrates its 70th Anniversary.
In a congratulatory message signed by the Guild’s National President, Ambassador Patrick Uzoyi-Peters, JP MNGRM, the guild described the milestone as a testament to the NUJ’s unwavering commitment to upholding press freedom, journalistic integrity, and the advancement of democracy in Nigeria.
“For seven decades, the NUJ has played a pivotal role in shaping the media landscape, advocating for the rights and welfare of journalists, and ensuring that the voice of the people remains strong and unyielding. Your resilience, professionalism, and dedication to ethical journalism have been instrumental in fostering transparency, accountability, and national development”.
Celebrating this historic achievement, the Guild’s President, Uzoyi-Peters recognized the sacrifices and contributions of journalists across the nation who work tirelessly to inform, educate, and empower society.
The Guild reiterated it commitment towards collaborating with the NUJ in promoting responsible journalism and strengthening the media industry for the greater good.
While wishing the NUJ continued success, growth, and greater impact in the years ahead, President Uzoyi-Peters prayed that the anniversary serve as a renewed call to uphold the principles of truth, fairness, and press freedom in our collective pursuit of a more informed and just society.
News
Family Marks one-year Memorial of Late APC Chieftain, Ojougboh with Charity Outreach
By Ikenna Oluka
The family of the late chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, led by his wife, Mrs. Bose Ojougboh, marked his one-year memorial anniversary with a series of charitable initiatives aimed at honoring his legacy of philanthropy and service to society.
The memorial activities included the donation of school books and bags to pupils of Erigbe Primary School, in Agbor within the Ika South Local Government Area (LGA) of Delta State, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education.
The outreach also included extension of financial assistance to patients at Central Hospital, Agbor, and the provision of toiletries, cash, and food items to children at the Salve Regina Children’s Home, Agbor.
The outreach was carried out under the ‘Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation’, a family-led initiative established to immortalise him and continue his lifelong commitment to education, healthcare, and social welfare.
Speaking during the event which took place recently, Mrs. Ojougboh reaffirmed the family’s dedication to sustaining the ideals of the late APC chieftain, describing him as a man who strongly believed in education and giving back to society.
“We are here to celebrate the life of my husband, Late Dr. Cairo Ojougboh, who passed on a year ago. In his honour, we decided to give back to society. He was a man who valued education and was always willing to help others. It is only fitting that we continue his legacy through acts of generosity,” she stated.
Honouring his passion for education
The first visit was to Erigbe Primary School, where Dr. Ojougboh had received his early education. The Foundation distributed school bags, writing materials, and food packs to the pupils. The family encouraged the pupils to take their education seriously and strive to become responsible citizens.
Supporting patients at Central Hospital, Agbor
At Central Hospital, Agbor, Mrs. Ojougboh and her entourage moved through the medical wards, offering financial support to patients to assist with their treatment costs. The hospital staff and beneficiaries responded with prayers and words of gratitude for the kind gesture.
Reaching out to orphaned children
The outreach team also visited Salve Regina Children’s Home in Agbor where they donated cash, food items, and toiletries to the children.
The Matron of the home expressed her deep appreciation to the Ojougboh family, commending their commitment to sustaining the late politician’s legacy of compassion and social impact.
Dr. Cairo Ojougboh’s enduring legacy
Reflecting on her late husband’s contributions to society, Mrs. Ojougboh emphasised that his legacy of generosity and service to humanity would not be forgotten.
“Dr. Cairo was a selfless man who touched many lives. His contributions to the Nigerian political landscape, his mark in Agbor Kingdom, Delta State, and the country at large, will always be remembered. He may be gone, but his impact will continue to be felt for generations,” she said.
The Dr. Cairo Ojougboh Foundation has pledged to continue supporting education, healthcare, and social welfare initiatives in his memory, ensuring that his vision for a better society lives on.
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Widows, Wives and More than 2,000 Residents of Ikeja Police Barracks Benefit from YP4T’s Initiative
More than 2,000 individuals from the Ikeja Police Barracks community benefited from an impactful outreach program spearheaded by Young Professionals for Tinubu (YP4T), an advocacy and support group working in alignment with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The initiative provided critical medical services, care packages, food supplies, and financial assistance to widows, wives, and vulnerable residents, demonstrating the heart of nation-building through community-centered support.
The program, which united healthcare professionals, community organizers, and volunteers, complemented the government’s broader efforts to bring essential services closer to the people.
Residents of the Ikeja Police Barracks received free medical consultations, blood pressure and diabetes screenings, and wellness advice. Widows and families also left with care packages filled with food items, toiletries, and financial support to help alleviate the pressures of the holiday season.
Dr. Love V. Tinuoye, CEO of Medvita Consultancy and the lead doctor on-site, reflected on the impact:
“This initiative reflects a collective commitment to advancing healthcare in Nigeria. We were able to screen for and address critical health issues such as hypertension and diabetes while also providing preventive care like vaccinations and cancer screenings. This is what true community-focused care looks like.”
Beyond medical services, the outreach distributed care packages containing food staples, toiletries, and financial support, designed to alleviate the challenges faced by vulnerable members of the police barracks community.
The event highlights the ongoing efforts under the Renewed Hope Agenda to provide inclusive support for Nigerians across the country. Initiatives like this not only extend access to essential services but also strengthen the fabric of communities.
Mrs. Jumoke Elom, a businesswoman and beneficiary, shared her gratitude:
“I am deeply grateful for this program. The care my family received today—both medical and material—has given us hope and reminded us that we are not alone. It shows that there is real support for families like mine.”
The outreach program was also a platform for demonstrating the principles of nation-building through collaborative action. Alex Oware, Security Expert and Director of YP4T, explained the motivation behind the initiative: “The Renewed Hope Agenda is about about bringing real transformation to communities. This initiative embodies that vision by supporting over 2,000 people—not just through tangible resources, but by reaffirming their place in the collective growth of our nation. It lies at the soul of Renewed Hope: fostering resilience and creating opportunities for all Nigerians.”
The outreach program extended beyond healthcare, providing food and financial support to families within the police barracks. A touching moment involved a widow who, after receiving her care package, expressed her gratitude with tears of joy. Her story is just one of many that reflect the transformative power of collective action.
This initiative by YP4T—an advocacy and support group of Nigerian professionals from across the globe—represents a continued commitment to driving grassroots impact, inspired by President Tinubu’s vision. The success of the Ikeja outreach program demonstrates the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors to deliver meaningful change across Nigeria.
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