A Federal High Court in Lagos presided over by Justice Nnamdi O. Dimgba, has adjourned hearing to October 15, 2024, in a suit filed by Media Rights Agenda (MRA) against the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) asking the court to determine the applicability and enforceability of Principle 20 of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa in Nigeria.
Ms. Obioma Okonkwo filed an Originating Summons on behalf of MRA on July 27, 2021, aiming to affirm the legal validity of the Declaration of Principles within Nigeria’s legal system. The summons emphasizes the enforceability of these principles and highlights the need for concrete actions to be taken by the Nigerian government to protect journalists and uphold the Declaration’s principles.
MRA had urged the Nigerian government to fulfill its duty to protect journalists and media professionals including conducting thorough investigations into attacks against them, adhering to Principle 20, and demonstrating a steadfast commitment to creating a safe and secure environment for journalists and media workers.
Ms. Okonkwo further asserted that the government’s inaction violates both the Declaration and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights. She emphasized that this failure contradicts the government’s legal duties, endangers journalists, and obstructs the public’s access to information through various media outlets.
The lawsuit seeks specific directives from the court, including measures to prevent attacks on journalists, prosecute those responsible for assaults on journalists, provide effective remedies for victims, raise awareness about the importance of journalists’ safety, and enhance the capacity of media professionals and policymakers to create safer environments for journalists.
When the matter came up for hearing on June 10, 2024, MRA was represented by Monday Arunsi, Esq. However, the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) was absent and had no legal representation. Arunsi informed the court that the suit was appearing for the first time before Justice Nnamdi O. Dimgba. He also noted that following the last proceedings presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, a hearing notice had been served on the AGF, but the AGF failed to appear or send representation.
Arunsi requested a hearing date for the parties to adopt their respective processes. Consequently, the court adjourned the suit to July 2, 2024, for a hearing and ordered that a hearing notice be served on the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) before the next adjourned date. However, on July 2, 2024, the court did not sit because the presiding judge had been elevated to the Court of Appeal. As a result, the suit was administratively adjourned to October 15, 2024, for hearing.
