By Oyindamola Olawuyi
An Investigative journalist and farmer, Ibanga Isine, has accused a Magistrate and court officials in Akwa Ibom State of violating his right to a fair hearing and restricting press access to judicial proceedings after he was removed from Magistrate’s Court 7 in Uyo on June 18, 2026.
In a detailed statement posted on his verified Facebook page, Isine described his removal alongside other journalists from the courtroom as a “deep humiliation” and called for an investigation into the conduct of Magistrate Godwin Edemekong and court officials involved in the matter.
He said the incident arose from the prosecution of one Abdullahi Yusuf, in a case linked to his petition over alleged repeated invasions of his farmlands by herders.
Isine said he and his partners operate two commercial farms in Uyo, where they cultivate tomatoes, cucumbers, okra, pepper, pumpkin leaves, cassava, yam and plantain.
He alleged that the farms were invaded on multiple occasions, resulting in the destruction of crops, damage to irrigation systems and losses running into several millions of naira.
“Approximately one hectare of cucumber was destroyed. Another hectare of okra was infected and ruined after cattle trampled through the farm. The animals also destroyed a sophisticated irrigation system covering our farms along Airport Road and inside Shelter Afrique Estate,” he said.
Isine further alleged that farm workers were chased away during some of the invasions and that he was once pursued by a herder wielding a cutlass.
He said he petitioned the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Azare, who ordered the arrest of those responsible, but alleged that the invasions continued despite the directive.
According to him, efforts to secure intervention from the Akwa Ibom State Task Force Against Open Grazing and the Commissioner for Internal Security did not yield results.
He one suspect, Abdullahi Yusuf, was eventually arrested and arraigned. Isine claimed he was later informed by the Investigating Police Officer, Emmanuel Alomona, that the suspect allegedly stabbed a police officer with a dagger while attempting to escape from custody.
The journalist also expressed concern over the handling of the prosecution, alleging that the police prosecutor, Blessing Essien, repeatedly failed to update him on hearing dates despite his role as the complainant.
“On multiple occasions, hearing dates were not communicated to me, resulting in adjournments while I remained unaware of proceedings involving a matter arising directly from my petition,” he said.
He said he was later informed that the matter had been scheduled for hearing on June 18 and directed to appear in court, though full details were only disclosed shortly before proceedings commenced.
He further alleged that although the prosecutor instructed him to attend, he filed an application to have the matter stood down and was absent from court.
The situation escalated when journalists from Pioneer Newspaper, Inspiration FM and XL FM arrived to cover the proceedings but were denied entry into the courtroom by court officials.
According to him, officials insisted that journalists must present introduction letters from their organisations despite presenting valid identity cards.
“I personally 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,” he said.
Isine alleged that tensions inside the courtroom intensified after a court clerk spoke with the Magistrate.
He said Magistrate Godwin Edemekong ordered the removal of journalists who had gained access to the courtroom.
“The Magistrate, Mr. Godwin Edemekong, became visibly angry and ordered that the two journalists who had managed to gain access to the courtroom be thrown out,” he alleged.
He said the magistrate then demanded to know his identity.
“As I attempted to introduce myself, he interrupted and barked: ‘Get out of my court. Get out. Out,’” Isine said.
He added that although he tried to explain he was the complainant in the matter, he was not allowed to speak further.
According to him, the Magistrate ordered police officers to remove him from the courtroom.
“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,” he said.
Isine maintained that he did not disrupt proceedings or disobey any court 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 said.
He argued that the incident raised concerns about judicial impartiality, transparency in court proceedings and the constitutional right to a fair hearing.
Isine called on the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Justice Ekaette Fabian-Obot, to investigate the conduct of the Magistrate and court officials involved.
He also urged the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to examine the handling of the prosecution and communication gaps in the case.
The journalist further appealed to Governor Umo Eno to ensure full enforcement of the Akwa Ibom State Anti-Open Grazing Law and stronger protection for 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,” he said.
“The rule of law must protect farmers as much as it protects everyone else.”
