The Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has cautioned journalists against inaccurate and sensational reporting of court proceedings, warning that such practices could undermine the rule of law and erode public confidence in the judiciary.
Speaking through the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Babatunde Adejumo, at the 2026 annual conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC) in Abuja, the CJN stressed that judicial decisions can only achieve their intended purpose when properly understood by the public.
She noted that misinterpretation or sensationalism in reporting could weaken trust in the justice system, while accurate and balanced coverage would strengthen institutional credibility.
Kekere-Ekun described judiciary correspondents as a critical link between the Bench and the public, emphasising that their role is essential to sustaining democracy and promoting transparency in the administration of justice.
“In every constitutional democracy, the strength of institutions is measured not only by the decisions they make, but by the extent to which those decisions are understood, trusted and accepted by society,” she said.
The CJN acknowledged the complexity of legal reporting, noting that court proceedings are often technical and require careful interpretation, especially under tight newsroom deadlines. She, however, urged journalists to uphold professionalism and ethical standards in their reportage.
Also speaking, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, underscored the role of the media in strengthening democracy, particularly as preparations for the 2027 general elections gather momentum.
Represented by Hussein Oloyede, Special Assistant on Legislative Drafting, Fagbemi urged journalists to avoid amplifying divisive narratives and instead promote national unity.
“As stakeholders, the media must not be used as a tool of division. Those fanning the embers of hatred must be stopped,” he said, adding that the government would not tolerate violence, hate speech or any form of criminality.
He assured that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to safeguarding press freedom and ensuring journalists operate without intimidation.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of NAJUC, Abuja chapter, Kayode Lawal, called for urgent judicial reforms to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.
Lawal expressed concern over conflicting court orders, particularly in politically sensitive cases, warning that such inconsistencies could undermine public confidence and threaten national stability.
He cited the controversy surrounding parallel rulings by courts in Abuja and Oyo State over the 2025 convention of the Peoples Democratic Party as an example of judicial inconsistency capable of triggering unrest.
The NAJUC chairman also raised concerns about growing public perception that justice is being compromised, urging the judiciary to reinforce its independence, including through improved funding mechanisms.
He further called on the Nigerian Bar Association to strengthen disciplinary measures against erring legal practitioners, stressing that the judiciary must reaffirm its role as the last hope of the common man.
The conference, themed “The Role of Judiciary in Deepening Democracy in Nigeria,” brought together legal practitioners and journalists to address challenges within the justice system and promote informed reportage.
