A man, believed to be connected with a group involved in an ongoing land dispute between a Chinese firm, Zhi Yuan Global Nigeria Limited, and residents of the Owu Adepiti community in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, attacked journalists who were covering court proceedings at the Ogun State High Court in Abeokuta on January 8, 2026.
According to media reports, the incident occurred following a court session while journalists were taking photographs and speaking with legal counsel outside the courtroom. The man, identified as part of the defendants’ group, allegedly disrupted the recording, threatening to damage cameras and warning journalists to stop covering the case, adding that he would “deal with them” if they continued.
According to eyewitness accounts, he confronted the journalists, saying, “Who ordered you to take the shot? Will you stop that, or I’ll destroy your camera. What effrontery do you have to come to the court to cover the proceedings? You should stop that before you get on my nerves.”
Despite the threats, the journalists reportedly stood their ground, citing their constitutional duty to inform the public, and continued with their coverage. The situation was later de-escalated after the defendants’ lawyer intervened and cautioned the man against obstructing the work of the press, prompting him to leave the scene.
The civil case, governed by the High Court of Ogun State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2024, involves Rev. Reuben Adisa Adekunle and seven others versus Zhi Yuan Global Nigeria Limited and nine others.
