The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), 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, Babatunde Adejumo, made this known 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, noting that misrepresentation and sensationalism could erode public confidence in the justice system and weaken democratic institutions.
The CJN emphasised 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.
She 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, expressing 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 on Legislative Drafting in the Office of the AGF.
He noted that activities ahead of the 2027 general elections had begun and stressed that the media has a responsibility to bridge the gap between INEC, political actors and millions of potential voters.
He urged journalists to shun divisive political actors and promote unity and national development.
“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 embers of hatred must be stopped,” he said.
Fagbemi added that the government would not succumb to blackmail, regardless of whose interests are affected, stressing that violence, hate speech and other criminal acts would not be tolerated.
He called on Nigerians to demonstrate patriotism and safeguard national unity as the elections draw nearer.
He further stated that the Bola Tinubu administration views the media as partners and is working to ensure that journalists can operate without intimidation or threats.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chairman of NAJUC, Abuja chapter, Kayode Lawal, called for judicial reforms to safeguard democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Lawal said the conference, with the theme “The Role of the Judiciary in Deepening Democracy in Nigeria,” aims to foster dialogue between legal practitioners and the media while addressing systemic challenges within the judiciary.
Highlighting concerns about the integrity of Nigeria’s justice system, he warned that conflicting court orders, particularly in politically sensitive cases, pose a serious threat to national stability.
He cited a 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 an 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.”
Lawal also expressed concern over growing public perception that justice in Nigeria is being compromised.
Referencing remarks made at a recent Nigerian Bar Association conference, he noted fears that the rule of law is eroding and that judicial processes are being influenced 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 in which politicians allegedly dismiss electoral malpractice by urging aggrieved parties to seek redress in court, noting that such attitudes could further erode trust in democratic institutions.
The NAJUC chairman also commended the National Judicial Council and other supporters for their contributions to the conference, while expressing gratitude to colleagues for their support during his tenure.
(NAN)