Coalition Commends Court Judgement Discharging and Acquitting Cross River Watch Publisher Agba Jalingo

10th July, 2024 – The Coalition for Whistleblowers Protection and Press Freedom (CWPPF) commends the recent judgement of Abuja Federal high court sitting which discharged and acquitted the publisher of Cross River watch newspaper, Agba Jalingo who in a defamatory charge brought against him by the wife of the younger brother of the former governor of the state, Mrs. Elizabeth Alami Ayade.

Mrs. Ayade had approached the court with a civil defamation lawsuit in September 2023,  over a Facebook post made by Jalingo bothering on allegations of malpractice in the Nigerian Law school, Abuja,  leading to the arrest and subsequent arraignment of the journalist under the Cybercrimes Act.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of Abuja Federal High Court however ruled in favour of Agba Jalingo, dismissing the charges brought against him by Mrs. Elizabeth Alami Ayade.

The Coalition for Whistleblowers Protection and Press Freedom (CWPPF) commends the court for standing on the side of justice and rule of law.  The court’s decision to discharge and acquit the journalist further reiterates the position of the coalition that journalists, when they report responsibly should be able to do so without fear of legal repercussions.

The court’s ruling is a victory for press freedom and the right to freedom of expression as it highlights the importance of a free press in informing the public holding powerful interests to account. This, from all indications ensures transparency and accountability in governance.

CWPPF equally commend the Journalist, Agba Jalingo for demonstration of courage and dedication to his profession even in the face of the legal impediments. His vindication by the court is a testament to his commitment to journalistic ethics and standards.

As a coalition, we remain committed to ensuring a safe and free environment for journalists to perform their duties without fear or prejudice.

 

Signed: CWPPF Secretariat

 

For

CWPPF Members:

 

1. Premium Times

2. Cable Newspaper Journalism Foundation

3. Daily Trust Newspaper

4. International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR)

5. Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ)

6. Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID)

7. African Centre for Media & Information Literacy (AFRICMIL)

8. Civic Media Lab

9. Civil Society Network Against Corruption (CSNAC)

10. International Press Centre (IPC)

11. International Press Institute (IPI)

12. Media Rights Agenda (MRA)

13. Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ)

14. Paradigm Initiative

15. Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP)

16. HEDA Resources Centre.

17. WikkiTimes

18. Global Rights

19. Dataphyte Foundation

20. Accountability Lab Nigeria

21. FOLEGAL

22. Women Radio 91.7 FM

23. Inibehe Effiong Chambers

24. BUK TV & RADIO

25. The Jurist Newspaper Limited

26. Freedom Radio, Kano

27. Citizens Gavel Foundation for Social Justice

28. Enough is Enough, Nigeria (EIE)