CJN says inaccurate, sensational reporting of court proceedings undermine rule of law

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, has warned that inaccurate, incomplete, or sensational reporting of court proceedings could undermine the rule of law.

The CJN, who was represented by the Administrator of the National Judicial Institute, Justice Babatunde Adejumo, stated this in a message to the 2026 annual conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC), Abuja chapter.

Kekere-Ekun stressed that even the most well-reasoned judgments achieve their purpose only when properly understood by the public.

“Misinterpretation or sensationalism can unintentionally erode confidence in the judiciary, while accurate and balanced reporting strengthens institutional credibility,” she said.

She urged judiciary correspondents to uphold the highest standards of professionalism since misrepresentation and sensationalism could erode public confidence in the justice system and weaken democratic institutions.

The CJN emphasized that judiciary correspondents serve as a vital bridge between the Bench and the public, describing their role as “democratic in character” and indispensable to sustaining trust in the administration of justice.

Kekere-Ekun underscored the critical role of the media in shaping public understanding of judicial processes, adding that the judiciary’s impact extends beyond courtroom decisions to how such rulings are communicated to society.

“In every constitutional democracy, the strength of institutions is measured not only by the decisions they make, but by the degree to which those decisions are understood, trusted, and accepted by society,” she stated.

The CJN noted that misinterpretation or sensationalism can unintentionally erode confidence in the judiciary, while accurate and balanced reporting strengthens institutional credibility.

She, however, acknowledged the complexities of legal reporting, noting that court proceedings are often technical and require careful interpretation, even as journalists operate under tight deadlines and editorial pressures.

Kekere-Ekun commended NAJUC for its commitment to capacity building and informed reportage of judicial activities, and expressed optimism that its deliberations would further strengthen Nigeria’s democracy.

Also speaking, the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, lauded the role of the media in deepening democracy.

The minister was represented by Hussein Oloyede, Special Assistant, Legislative Drafting, Office of the AGF.

He reiterated that the activities towards the 2027 general elections had begun and the media had their role to play to bridge the gaps between INEC, political actors, and millions of potential voters.

He appealed to journalists to shun political actors with divisive tendencies, and ensure the unity and development of the country.

“Do not give room to political actors trying to tear the fabric of this nation, remember we need to have our country first before we can talk about elections.

“As stakeholders, the media must not be used as a tool of division. Those fanning the ember of hatred must be stopped,” he said.

He said the government would not succumb to blackmail no matter whose ox is gored, adding that violence, hate speech or any other criminal tendencies wouldn’t be tolerated in any form.

He called on Nigerians to show a sense of patriotism and protect the unity of the country, as the elections draw near.

He added that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration sees the media as partners, and is doing everything to ensure journalists do their job without intimidation or any form of threats.

Earlier in his welcome address, the chairman of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC), Abuja chapter, Mr Kayode Lawal, had called for reforms of the judiciary to safeguard democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Lawal said that the conference with the , theme “The Role of Judiciary in Deepening Democracy in Nigeria,” aims to foster dialogue between legal practitioners and the media while addressing systemic challenges in the judiciary.

While highlighting concerns over the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system, Lawal warned that conflicting court orders, particularly in politically sensitive cases, pose a serious threat to national stability.

He cited a recent dispute involving parallel rulings by the Federal High Court in Abuja and the Oyo State High Court over the 2025 convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a troubling example of judicial inconsistency.

According to him, such developments risk undermining public confidence and could trigger political unrest.

“The situation is capable of causing chaos and setting the political stage ablaze,” he said, describing the trend as “worrisome and pathetic.”

He also raised alarm over what he described as increasing public perception that justice in Nigeria is compromised.

Referencing remarks made at a recent Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) conference, he noted concerns that the rule of law is eroding and that judicial processes are being manipulated by powerful interests.

He urged the judiciary to demonstrate greater independence, suggesting the creation of an autonomous funding mechanism to reduce reliance on the executive arm of government.

Lawal also called on the NBA to strengthen disciplinary measures against legal practitioners involved in unethical conduct, including facilitating conflicting court orders.

“As the 2027 elections approach, the judiciary must rise to the challenge and reaffirm its position as the last hope of the common man,” he added.

He warned against a growing culture where politicians allegedly dismiss electoral malpractice by urging aggrieved parties to seek redress in courts, stressing that such attitudes could further erode trust in democratic institutions.

The NAJUC chairman also commended the National Judicial Council (NUJ) and other supporters for their contributions to the conference, while expressing gratitude to colleagues for their support during his tenure.