CJN, AGF Warn Journalists Against Misreporting Court Cases Ahead of Elections

The Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, and the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, have called for professional and responsible judicial reporting, warning that accurate communication between the media and the courts is critical to sustaining Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Both officials spoke through representatives at the 2026 National Conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC) held in Abuja, where stakeholders examined the theme: “The Role of the Judiciary in Deepening Democracy in Nigeria.”

Justice Babatunde Adejumo, representing the CJN, described the judiciary as the guardian of constitutional order, stressing that court decisions only achieve full democratic value when they are properly understood by the public. He warned that misrepresentation of court rulings and sensational journalism could weaken public trust in the justice system, especially at a time when Nigeria is preparing for a critical electoral cycle. According to him, journalists must avoid acting as “parallel courts” by independently interpreting judgments outside legal context or presenting incomplete judicial narratives.

READ ALSO:

• 12 Killed, Dozens Injured in Cross River Petrol Tanker Explosion
• Tinubu Orders APC Governors to Conduct Free Primaries
• Panic in Oyo as Stray Elephant Invades Community, One Dead

He further cautioned that inaccurate reporting of court proceedings could attract legal consequences, including contempt of court. Justice Adejumo also referenced past experiences where he summoned editors over what he described as false reports, urging journalists to prioritise accuracy over sensationalism. He warned: “Before you publish any sensational news that may put you behind the bar for years, be careful,” adding that lawyers who hold press briefings outside court premises in a manner that influences media coverage could also face sanctions.

Hussein Oloyede, who represented the AGF, stressed that the media must avoid being used as a tool for division, misinformation, or political manipulation. He said political actors must not be allowed to use the press to “tear the fabric of the nation,” insisting that national stability and unity must come before political competition. He added that government would not tolerate hate speech or incitement capable of undermining public peace, warning that Nigeria must remain stable before political contests can be meaningfully pursued.

The CJN’s address also emphasised the judiciary’s critical role in handling electoral disputes, noting that upcoming elections will test the strength of democratic institutions. She stressed that accurate and balanced judicial reporting is essential to maintaining public confidence in court decisions, particularly during politically sensitive periods such as elections.

The conference brought together judges, legal practitioners, and journalists to explore how the judiciary and media can jointly strengthen democratic governance in Nigeria. Participants highlighted the importance of continuous engagement between the courts and the press to improve understanding of judicial processes and reduce misinformation in public discourse. Analysts say the discussion reflects growing concern over the impact of media narratives on rule of law, election credibility, and public trust in the judiciary as Nigeria moves closer to the 2027 elections.

CJN, AGF Warn Journalists Against Misreporting Court Cases Ahead of Elections

12 Killed, Dozens Injured in Cross River Petrol Tanker Explosion

The Cross River State Police Command has confirmed that 12 people died in a petrol tanker explosion in Cross River State, following a tragic incident in Ogoja Local Government Area.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, Eitokpah Sunday, disclosed that the explosion occurred during a fuel transloading operation, which triggered a massive fire outbreak and widespread panic in the area.

According to the police, operatives including the Divisional Traffic Officer (DTO) and patrol teams were swiftly deployed to the scene to secure the area, manage traffic, and prevent further casualties.

“The scene was cordoned off while efforts were made in collaboration with relevant stakeholders to rescue trapped victims and evacuate the injured to the General Hospital, Ogoja,” he said.

Authorities confirmed that the 12 bodies recovered were released to families and relevant authorities, including members of the Hausa Muslim community for burial in line with Islamic rites.

Sources within the community revealed that about 38 persons sustained varying degrees of injuries, many of whom are currently receiving treatment following the Cross River tanker explosion.

READ ALSO:

• Tinubu Orders APC Governors to Conduct Free Primaries
• Panic in Oyo as Stray Elephant Invades Community, One Dead
• Stanbic IBTC Insurance Wins Top Honour at CRe Africa Awards 2026

Eyewitness accounts indicated that the tanker reportedly fell into a nearby river during transloading, igniting a fire that spread rapidly and engulfed residents and bystanders.

Unconfirmed reports also suggest that a soldier and a police officer were among those injured, highlighting the scale of the disaster.

The police said additional reinforcements were deployed to contain the situation, restrict access to the affected area, and ensure public safety.

A full investigation into the tanker explosion in Ogoja is ongoing to determine both the immediate and remote causes, particularly the circumstances surrounding the fuel transfer process.

The incident has once again raised serious concerns over petrol tanker accidents in Nigeria, especially those linked to unsafe fuel handling and transloading practices.

Safety experts have continued to warn that poor regulation, weak enforcement, and risky roadside fuel transfers remain major causes of recurring tanker explosions across the country.

The latest tragedy underscores the urgent need for stricter safety enforcement, improved tanker operations, and public awareness to prevent future disasters.

12 Killed, Dozens Injured in Cross River Petrol Tanker Explosion

Panic in Oyo as Stray Elephant Invades Community, One Dead

One person has been confirmed dead and another declared missing after a wild elephant attack in Oyo State, triggering panic in Innayin Community and raising fresh concerns over human-wildlife conflict in Nigeria.

The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026, when residents reported the sudden appearance of the animal within the community.

According to the Oyo State Police Command, the elephant is believed to have strayed from a nearby forest reserve, a situation experts link to habitat disruption, shrinking forest zones, and increased human encroachment.

Police spokesperson, Ayanlade Olayinka, confirmed the development in an official statement, noting that security operatives responded swiftly after receiving a distress call.

“Upon receiving a distress call, police operatives, in collaboration with local vigilantes and hunters, swiftly mobilised to the scene. On arrival, the lifeless body of one Ibrahim Tijani, 45, was discovered in a nearby bush with injuries consistent with an animal attack,” he said.

The victim’s remains have been evacuated to the General Hospital, Iwere-Ile, for examination and preservation.

Police further disclosed that another resident, Alhaji Muhammadu Bingin, 50, is currently missing after reportedly encountering the elephant. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, involving security personnel, hunters, and local volunteers.

READ ALSO:

• Stanbic IBTC Insurance Wins Top Honour at CRe Africa Awards 2026
• VIDEO: Adelabu Storms Ibadan, Draws Massive Crowd from Airport to Residence
• Nigerian Military Repels ISWAP Attack, Neutralises 25 Terrorists in Borno

Authorities say the elephant caused widespread fear as it moved through parts of the community, with residents fleeing their homes to avoid further casualties.

The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Abimbola Olugbenga, reassured residents that efforts are underway to secure the area and prevent additional attacks.

“Our officers are fully on ground, working with relevant stakeholders to secure the area and prevent further casualties. We urge residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities,” he said.

The police also confirmed that they are working closely with the National Park Service Nigeria to safely manage the situation, emphasising that all actions must comply with wildlife conservation laws.

Residents of Innayin and neighbouring communities have been advised to avoid the affected area and report any sighting of the elephant immediately.

Rising Human-Wildlife Conflict

Wildlife experts note that such incidents are becoming more frequent in parts of Nigeria, particularly in communities located near forest reserves and national parks.

Encroachment on natural habitats, illegal logging, and expanding agricultural activities often force animals like elephants to wander into human settlements in search of food and water.

Conservation authorities have repeatedly called for stronger forest protection, better wildlife monitoring systems, and community awareness programmes to reduce deadly encounters.

The latest tragedy in Oyo highlights the urgent need for coordinated response mechanisms between security agencies, environmental authorities, and local communities to balance human safety with wildlife conservation.

Panic in Oyo as Stray Elephant Invades Community, One Dead