A Federal High Court in Lagos has fixed hearing for December 15, 2025, in a four-year old suit filed by Media Rights Agenda (MRA) against the Federal Government, represented by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), over the Government’s failure to implement concrete measures to ensure the safety of journalists in accordance with Principle 20 of the Declaration of Principles on Freedom of Expression and Access to Information in Africa.
The matter, before Justice Deinde Isaac Dipeolu, had been scheduled for October 16, 2025. However, the Court did not sit on that date because the presiding judge was away on official assignment, making it impossible to proceed with the scheduled hearing.
Originally filed on July 27, 2021, the suit alleges that the Nigerian government has failed to adopt sufficient legal, institutional, and practical mechanisms to protect journalists, investigate attacks against them, or hold perpetrators accountable.
MRA is contending that the Government’s ongoing inaction constitutes a violation of both the Declaration and the principle human rights instrument on the continent, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which obliges governments to create a safe and enabling environment for media practice.
Since its initial scheduling for a hearing on October 19, 2022, the case has experienced multiple adjournments. Delays have often been caused by the absence of representatives of the Attorney-General, court holidays or judicial vacations, or the judge not sitting for various reasons. Some of the adjournments were also necessitated by religious observances such as the Easter and Eid al-Kabir holidays.
The case was initially presided over by Justice Peter Odo Lifu, but was later reassigned to Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, and subsequently transferred to Justice Deinde Isaac Dipeolu following Justice Dimgba’s elevation to the Court of Appeal.
At a previous sitting on May 29, 2025, proceedings were stalled due to the absence of the Attorney-General’s legal representatives and the lack of formal proof of service of the amended Originating Summons. MRA’s counsel, Mr Monday Arunsi, undertook to effect fresh service, and the Court granted an adjournment to ensure proper service before the next hearing.
The case highlights persistent concerns over journalist safety in Nigeria, including reports of harassment, intimidation, and attacks on media practitioners. MRA emphasises that without concrete government measures, such violations of media freedom will continue with impunity, undermining democratic principles and the public’s right to information.
The matter is now slated for December 15, 2025, when the Court is expected to proceed with the substantive hearing of the case.
