Report clearly on court proceedings, Lagos CJ urges journalists

The Chief Judge Lagos State, Hon. Justice Kazeem Alogba, has urged journalists to obtain record of proceedings before making reports.

According to the CJ, record of court proceedings are public records, therefore, journalists can apply for a certified true copy  when in doubt about court cases.

Alogba made the statement during a courtesy visit by members of the Judicial Editors Forum (JEF), also comprising of lawyers in the media.

The visit was held at the Conference room of the Ikeja High Court, Lagos on Wednesday.

Responding to questions from the forum as it relates to judgment of courts, the CJ urged members of the public to “tarry” while commenting on court judgments and proceedings.

According to him, a person is only qualified to comment on a court judgment when the entire judgment has been seen and read.

“A judgment should not be commented on until the whole judgment is seen and read. It is the right of people to comment on judgements constructively and this criticism should seek to guide the Judiciary,” he said

Referring to a recent social media report on a case handled by two judges of the Lagos Division, he described both the reports and commentaries as unverified.

“Recently, in the social media there was a case handled by two judges and there were utterances on social media that his colleague must have taken a bribe.

“When I heard of the development, I was not disturbed because I know the calibre of my judges.

“But lo and behold, when I called the two judges and I saw the record of proceedings, you could see the mischiefs by the reports,” he said

“Court proceedings are public records; so where in doubt about such a case, a journalist can apply for the CTC of the proceedings and if in an emergency situation, he can attach an affidavit of urgency

“Although, one is expected to show a “locus” in applying for such CTC, but for journalists, it is a prima facie right by way of their profession and the Freedom of Information Act.

“So, in Lagos State Judiciary, we do not hoard information; ask for it on the right way and you will get it,” he said

According to the CJ, sensationalising court proceedings is not in the interest of anyone concerned, and not in the best interest of journalism ethics.

“Let your criticisms be constructive with a clear goal of improving the system! all information required in the conduct of offices as a government organisation will be made available if applied in the right way,” he said.