Monday June 22, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
By Idorenyin UMOREN
A West African investigative journalism group based in Burkina Faso has condemned the forcefully removal of one of its board member, Ibanga Isine, and other journalists, from a court room in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
This was made known in a Press Release issued on Monday, June 22, 2026 by the group as follows:
“The Norbert Zongo Cell for Investigative Journalism in West Africa, CENOZO, has learned of the expulsion of journalist Ibanga Isine, a member of its Board, from a public hearing in a case he filed as a plaintiff at the Uyo Court of First Instance (Court N°7) in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
“On June 19, 2026, Magistrate Godwin Edemekong, presiding over the case brought by journalist Ibanga Isine, denied access to the courtroom to Isine and other journalists from Akwa Ibom, without providing any reason. CENOZO considers this action by the Magistrate to be a violation of the fundamental principles of the rule of law and a serious threat to the fair administration of justice.
“Any unjustified restriction on access to judicial proceedings for a plaintiff and the media risks undermining public confidence in the administration of justice.
“CENOZO therefore calls upon the authorities of Akwa Ibom State to take urgent, necessary measures to ensure strict compliance with international conventions and standards regarding fair and transparent justice, standards that the Federal Republic of Nigeria has ratified.
“CENOZO stands in solidarity with Ibanga Isine and with journalists in Akwa Ibom and across Nigeria, and reaffirms its commitment to defending press freedom, judicial transparency, and accountability.”
