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Lazy Nigerian Journalists and the Principle of Sub Judice: Would Lai Mohammed Now Go to Jail?

Published

7 years ago

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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.

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Naija Times celebrates 5th anniversary, launches nonprofit arm to promote quality journalism and social impact

Published

2 days ago

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September 16, 2025

By

Naija Times
EHI BRAIMAH, founder of Naija Times

Naija Times, Nigeria’s leading independent online newspaper, proudly celebrates its 5th anniversary.

To mark this milestone, the management is excited to announce the launch of Naija Times Journalism Foundation, its nonprofit arm, reinforcing its commitment to quality journalism and social impact.

Founded on September 15, 2020, by Ehi Braimah, a notable PR expert and media personality in Nigeria, Naija Times has delivered high-quality, unbiased, and informative content to its readers. Akpandem James and Jahman Anikulapo – two senior and highly respected journalists – are Braimah’s co-founding partners of Naija Times.

The newspaper covers politics, business, health, education, culture, and sports, while its regularly published editorials provide sharp insights into Nigeria’s pressing issues. The newly launched website, www.ntm.ng to mark the anniversary, offers a seamless, user-friendly experience, making it easier for readers to navigate the website and access Naija Times’ diverse content.

On its 3rd anniversary two years ago, Naija Times launched the book, ‘For a Better Society,’ a compilation of editorials published from September 2020 to July 2023 in Abuja, further solidifying its role in shaping public discourse.

Naija Times Journalism Foundation, accessible at www.ntjfoundation.org, expands the organisation’s mission by supporting investigative journalism on critical social issues, promoting media literacy to educate the public on evaluating information and combating misinformation, and empowering community development through initiatives that foster social cohesion and economic empowerment.

“We are proud to celebrate five years of delivering credible journalism to our readers,” said Braimah, founder and publisher/editor-in-chief of Naija Times.

“Five years ago, we launched Naija Times with the following goals in mind: build strong institutions, promote transparency and accountability in public spending, uphold the rule of law, and defend the public interest.

“Together with my colleagues, we remain committed to building an egalitarian society that is founded on equity, justice and respect for fundamental human rights. The launch of Naija Times Journalism Foundation represents a bold step forward in our mission to drive social impact and elevate journalism practice in Nigeria.”

Naija Times Journalism Foundation is a knowledge production and journalism innovation hub dedicated to strengthening democratic governance and promoting inclusive development and accountability by empowering a vibrant and free press in Nigeria, Africa and Black Diaspora.

The Foundation’s Programmes Officer is Hart Onoboh, a seasoned programmes and communications professional with over five years’ experience, driving impactful development projects in Nigeria.

Hart has a robust background in strengthening democratic governance, combating misinformation, and facilitating community-based interventions.

Previously a fact-checker and visual communications officer at the Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD-West Africa), he led initiatives to counter misinformation and promote electoral integrity, training over 25 fact-checkers across four states in Nigeria.

Hart is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Information Management at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, and he brings technical expertise, creative communication, and field experience to the Foundation’s advocacy and governance initiatives.

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₦5.7bn Fraud Scandal: EFCC Quizzes Sujimoto CEO, Freezes Accounts, Seizes Passport

Published

1 week ago

on

September 9, 2025

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Enugu Accuses Sujimoto CEO of N5.7bn Fraud over smart school -

The Chief Executive Officer of Sujimoto Luxury Construction Limited, Sijibomi Ogundele, is under intense interrogation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the alleged diversion of ₦5.7 billion paid by the Enugu State Government for an ₦11 billion contract.

Ogundele, who had earlier been declared wanted, turned himself in to EFCC Abuja headquarters and was grilled for more than 10 hours on Tuesday. His personal and company accounts have been frozen, and his passport seized to restrict his movement.

According to investigators, Ogundele convinced the state to release 50% of the contract sum—₦5.7 billion—after promising speedy delivery. However, state officials allege that work done so far is worth no more than ₦750 million, accusing him of abandoning the project.

The Enugu State Government’s petition triggered EFCC’s probe, which may see Ogundele spend more time in custody as investigations continue.

In a tearful online video, Ogundele denied any wrongdoing, framing the matter as a contractual dispute: “I’m not a thief, I’m not a fugitive. This is between my company and the Enugu State Government. It’s not criminality.”

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Nigeria Digital PR Summit Opens Nominations For 2nd Digital PR Awards

Published

2 weeks ago

on

September 2, 2025

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Nigeria Digital PR Summit

…Unveils Selection Panel

The Nigeria Digital PR Summit has officially opened nominations for the second Nigeria Digital PR Awards, a prestigious platform that recognizes excellence, innovation, and impact in digital public relations across Nigeria.

Honourees will take the spotlight at the Nigeria Digital PR Awards Gala; a premium evening celebrating the individuals, organizations, and campaigns that defined digital PR in the past year, marking the 10th Nigeria Digital PR Summit. Adding flair to the night is the Digital PR Fashion Runway; a bold fusion of fashion, technology, and communications that promises an unforgettable experience.

This year, 19 award categories will honour campaigns across four classes including Campaign Excellence Awards, Sector Excellence Awards, Innovation and Technology Awards, and Individual & Professional Excellence Awards.

The Summit also unveiled a three-member Selection Panel responsible for reviewing entries and shortlisting winners.

The panel is chaired by the Founder and CEO, Fernhill Digital Consulting, Datari Ladejo, and includes the former Senior Business Program Manager, MarComms, Africa Development Center (ADC – West), Microsoft, Oluwamuyemi Orimolade; and Founder/Lead Partner, PuzzleCraft PR and Communications, Beatrice Okpara.

Nominations are open to agencies, corporate communication teams, NGOs, startups, and individual practitioners whose work has delivered measurable results and demonstrated creativity in leveraging digital platforms.

Nominations run from September 1 – 8, 2025. Shortlisted nominees will be announced during the Awards Gala on October 16, 2025, at the Conference Centre, Naval Dockyard, Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island. For entry guidelines and submission details, visit: https://forms.gle/cM2oFQTnSSqL51EC9.

Founder, Nigeria Digital PR Summit, Segun McMedal, said, “We are excited to launch this year’s call for nominations and to welcome such distinguished professionals to the Selection Panel. This panel reflects the breadth of expertise driving digital communication in Nigeria, and its stewardship will ensure a fair and transparent evaluation process.”

The seven categories in the Campaign Excellence Awards include Best Overall Digital PR Campaign, Best Brand Advocacy Campaign, Best Crisis Communication in Private Organisations, Best Crisis Communication in Government, Best Public Affairs Campaign, Youth Impact Award for Social Change, Outstanding Influencer Collaboration, and Best Use of Content Marketing.

Categories in the Sector Excellence Awards include Excellence in Public Service Digital Campaign, Digital PR Excellence in Telecom Services, Digital PR Excellence in Financial Services, and Sustainability and ESG Communication Excellence.

The Innovation and Technology Awards category include Innovative Use of Technology in PR, Best Digital Engagement with Citizens, Outstanding Digital Customer Experience, and Creative Use of Short-Form Video in PR. The Individual and Professional Excellence Awards include Emerging Digital PR Professional of the Year and Digital PR Professional of the Year.

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