Justice Adejumo Calls For Factual Reporting Amid Rising Insecurity
The Administrator National Judicial Institute Justice Babatunde Adejumo has called for deeper collaboration between the media and the judiciary, stressing that accurate and responsible reporting is essential to strengthening Nigeria’s justice system, especially as insecurity continues to rise across the country.
Speaking at a Symposioum for Media and Judicial correspondents on Navigating legal complexities in court reporting, Justice Adejumo admonished journalists to adopt proper and professional methods when reporting court matters.
He emphasized that the press must verify facts thoroughly before publishing, noting that misinformation can mislead the public and distort judicial processes.
He cautioned media practitioners against allowing lawyers or litigants to use media platforms as “appellate courts” where personal interpretations of cases are presented as established facts.
Justice Adejumo further reminded journalists that integrity remains the core of responsible journalism, warning that a single inaccurate report has the potential to build or damage a reporter’s reputation and erode public trust in both the media and the judiciary.
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Addressing the conduct of legal practitioners, he advised lawyers to refrain from debating or analysing live cases in the media while they are still before the courts. He noted that respecting legal boundaries is essential to protecting the fairness and credibility of judicial proceedings.
On the security challenges affecting many states, Justice Adejumo urged the press to report security matters with greater maturity, discretion, and patriotism. He warned that publishing unverified security information can heighten public fear, compromise operational efforts, or endanger lives.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
