UYO – A fresh controversy has erupted in Akwa Ibom State following the alleged humiliation and forceful ejection of investigative journalist, Mr. Ibanga Isine, and other journalists from an open court session at Magistrate Court 7, Uyo on Thursday.

The action against journalists by the Presiding Judge prompted widespread condemnation from the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council.

The incident, which occurred yesterday June 18, 2026, during proceedings in the case of Commissioner of Police versus Abdullahi Yusuf, has raised concerns over judicial transparency, fair hearing, and the constitutional rights of journalists to cover matters of public interest.

In a public statement issued on Friday, Isine narrated how he was allegedly ordered out of the courtroom by Magistrate Godwin Edemekong despite appearing in court at the directive of the police prosecutor handling a case that originated from his complaint against alleged destruction of his commercial farms by herders.

According to him, journalists from Pioneer Newspaper, Inspiration FM and XL FM who arrived to cover what is considered one of the first prosecutions linked to the enforcement of the Akwa Ibom State Anti-Open Grazing Law were denied access to the courtroom.

He alleged that court officials demanded introduction letters from their media organisations despite the reporters presenting valid official identity cards.

“The Deputy Registrar could not cite any law, judicial rule or court regulation requiring journalists to present introduction letters before covering court proceedings,” Isine stated.

The journalist further alleged that after a court clerk whispered to the Magistrate, the atmosphere changed abruptly, leading to the expulsion of journalists already inside the courtroom.

He said the Magistrate subsequently turned his attention to him, interrupted his attempt to identify himself as the complainant and ordered police officers to remove him from the courtroom without explanation.

“Three police officers forcefully escorted me out despite the fact that I had done nothing to disrupt proceedings and was merely responding to the prosecutor’s directive to attend court,” he said.

Isine described the experience as a profound humiliation and a violation of his constitutional right to fair hearing.

He also recounted the circumstances that led to the case, revealing that his commercial farms located along Airport Road and inside Shelter Afrique Estate had suffered at least five invasions by herders and cattle, resulting in the destruction of crops, irrigation infrastructure and losses amounting to millions of Naira.

He said one hectare of cucumber and another hectare of okra were destroyed, while farm workers were allegedly chased away and threatened by armed herders.

The investigative journalist disclosed that despite petitions to the Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, and appeals to relevant state authorities, including the Akwa Ibom State Task Force Against Open Grazing, the attacks continued until one suspect, Abdullahi Yusuf, was eventually arrested and arraigned.

Isine called on the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Justice Ekaette Fabian-Obot, to institute an immediate investigation into the conduct of Magistrate Godwin Edemekong and court officials involved in the incident.

He also urged the Nigerian Bar Association to examine the conduct of the police prosecutor, Mr. Blessing Essien, over alleged failures to properly communicate hearing dates and his handling of the prosecution process.

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Akwa Ibom State Council, has strongly condemned the treatment meted out to journalists and described the development as a dangerous attack on democracy.

In a press statement jointly signed by the State Chairman, Comrade Nsibiet John, and State Secretary, Comrade Nsikak Esenowo, the union accused Magistrate Edemekong, court officials and attached police operatives of obstructing lawful media duties.

The union said the arbitrary exclusion and intimidation of journalists covering a matter of immense public interest amounted to a direct assault on the principles of open justice and press freedom guaranteed by Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution.

“A courtroom is not the private chambers of any judicial officer. Journalists are not enemies of the court. We are custodians of the public’s right to know and watchdogs of due process.

“To treat the press as a threat is to undermine accountability and embolden impunity,” the statement read.

The NUJ consequently demanded an immediate public explanation from Magistrate Godwin Edemekong on the legal basis, if any, for barring and humiliating journalists in an open court.

The incident has since sparked public debate about the openness of judicial proceedings in Akwa Ibom State and renewed calls for stronger protection of journalists and citizens seeking justice through lawful means.

Observers say the outcome of any official investigation could become a significant test of judicial accountability, press freedom and the enforcement of the state’s anti-open grazing law.