FG seeks Court of Appeal nod to challenge 2024 ruling directing investigation and protection of journalists

The Federal Government has filed a motion seeking to appeal a February 2024 Federal High Court judgment that directed it to investigate, prosecute, and punish perpetrators of attacks on journalists and take preventive measures to safeguard media practitioners.

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The application, filed on December 23, 2025, by Mr. A.B. Mohammed of the Federal Ministry of Justice on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation, requests an extension of time to lodge the appeal after the three-month statutory period expired.

Justice Inyang Ekwo delivered the original judgment following a suit filed by Media Rights Agenda (MRA) in October 2021, led by human rights lawyer Mrs. Mojirayo Ogunlana-Nkanga.

The case highlighted the killings of several journalists over decades, including Mr. Dele Giwa, former Editor-in-Chief of Newswatch, Ms Bolade Fasasi, Mr. Edward Olalekan Ayo-Ojo, Mr. Omololu Falobi, Mr. Godwin Agbroko, Mr. Abayomi Ogundeji, and Mr. Edo Sule-Ugbagwu.

Justice Ekwo ruled that journalism is a constitutional profession protected under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution and granted MRA eight declaratory reliefs, directing the government to protect journalists, prosecute offenders, provide remedies to victims, and raise awareness among law enforcement, security, and military officials.

In its motion, the Federal Government said it intends to appeal the judgment but did not provide a detailed explanation for the 22-month delay in filing.

An affidavit by Mr. Kelechi Ohaeri, litigation officer at the Ministry of Justice, stated that the appeal was necessary in the interest of justice and to uphold the Government’s constitutional right to challenge the ruling.

Mr. Mohammed, in his written submission, noted that upon reviewing the judgment, the Government discovered alleged errors and seeks to exercise its constitutional right to appeal under Section 243 of the 1999 Constitution.

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No date has been set yet for the hearing of the motion in the Court of Appeal, Abuja.