Investigative journalist and farmer Ibanga Isine has placed on public record what he described as “deeply troubling events” that occurred on June 18, 2026, at Magistrate’s Court 7 in the Uyo Magisterial District, alleging personal humiliation, denial of fair hearing, and threats to press freedom.
In a statement titled “MY HUMILIATION IN COURT, DENIAL OF FAIR HEARING, AND THREAT TO PRESS FREEDOM IN AKWA IBOM STATE”, Isine said he appeared as complainant in the case of Commissioner of Police versus Abdullahi Yusuf after months of seeking justice over repeated invasions of his farms by herders.
“What happened in the courtroom was not only a personal humiliation. It raised serious issues about judicial impartiality, the constitutional right to a fair hearing and freedom of the press,” Isine wrote.
Farm invasions and prosecution
Isine said he and his partners invested heavily in commercial agriculture in line with the state government’s development agenda, operating two large farms in Uyo Capital City cultivating tomatoes, cucumbers, okra, pepper, pumpkin leaves, cassava, yam, and plantain. “Through these investments, we have created about 20 direct jobs and numerous indirect jobs,” he stated.
He alleged the farms were invaded by herders and cattle on at least five occasions, destroying about one hectare each of cucumber and okra, and damaging a sophisticated irrigation system. “The animals also destroyed a sophisticated irrigation system covering our farms along Airport Road and inside Shelter Afrique Estate, causing losses running into several millions of naira.” He added that “on one occasion, a herder pulled out a cutlass and pursued me after invading our farm.”
After petitioning Commissioner of Police Mr. Baba Azare, one suspect, Abdullahi Yusuf, was arrested and arraigned. Isine noted the IPO, Mr. Emmanuel Alomona, informed him that “the suspect stabbed a police officer with a dagger while attempting to escape. If a suspect could attack an armed police officer inside the Police Headquarters, one can only imagine the dangers faced daily by unarmed farmers and rural residents confronted by violent herders.”
Alleged denial of information and courtroom ejection
Isine accused police prosecutor Mr. Blessing Essien of repeatedly failing to communicate hearing dates. “It was only after considerable pressure that he reluctantly informed me that the matter had been scheduled for hearing on Thursday, June 18, 2026, and insisted that I must be present in court. Curiously, the particulars of the case were not disclosed to me until barely an hour before the commencement of the hearing.” He added that “while insisting that I must be present in court, the prosecutor had already filed an application requesting the court to stand down the matter and was himself absent from the proceedings.”
Journalists from Pioneer Newspaper, Inspiration FM, and XL FM were also barred from entering the court. “Yet court officials refused them entry. When I arrived and sought an explanation, the Deputy Registrar informed me that journalists would need introduction letters from their media organisations before they could be allowed to monitor proceedings. Even when the reporters presented valid identity cards issued by their respective organisations, court officials maintained their position and refused them entry.” Isine said he asked the Deputy Registrar to “identify any law, judicial rule, or court regulation requiring journalists to present introduction letters before covering a court proceeding. No such law or rule was cited.”
Inside the courtroom, Isine said Magistrate Mr. Godwin Edemekong ordered journalists out and then turned on him: “He asked, ‘Who are you?’ As I attempted to introduce myself, he interrupted and barked: ‘Get out of my court. Get out. Out.’” Isine said he informed the court he was the complainant, but “Without giving any reason and without allowing me to be heard, he ordered police officers to remove me from the courtroom. Three police officers then forcefully escorted me out. I had done nothing to disrupt proceedings. I had not insulted the court. I had not disobeyed any lawful order.”
“The humiliation was profound and very deep. More painful was the fact that I was removed from a courtroom where proceedings arising from my own complaint were listed for hearing,” he added, arguing that “The constitutional right to a fair hearing requires that parties whose interests are affected by judicial proceedings be allowed to participate meaningfully in those proceedings.”
Calls for investigation
Isine called on the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Justice Ekaette Fabian-Obot, “to institute an immediate investigation into the conduct of Magistrate Godwin Edemekong and all court officials involved in the exclusion of journalists and my removal from the courtroom. I further call on the Chief Judge to determine whether my constitutional right to a fair hearing was violated and whether established judicial procedures were followed.”
He also urged the Nigerian Bar Association to investigate prosecutor Mr. Blessing Essien “regarding his repeated failure to provide accurate information about the case, his failure to notify me of hearing dates, and the circumstances surrounding his application to stand down the matter while simultaneously directing me to appear in court.”
Finally, he appealed to Governor Umo Eno “to ensure the full enforcement of the Akwa Ibom State Anti-Open Grazing Law and other relevant laws designed to protect farmers and agricultural investments. Farmers should not be left at the mercy of lawless herders. Citizens who invest their resources in food production should not be punished for contributing to food security and economic development. The state must demonstrate that agriculture is not merely a slogan but a protected and respected sector of the economy. The rule of law must protect farmers as much as it protects everyone else. Let farmers breathe.”
Journalist Isine Alleges Humiliation, Denial of Fair Hearing at A’Ibom Magistrate Court
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