CISLAC Applauds Court’s Decision, Criticizes Kwara Magistrate’s Handling of Defamation Case

The recent acquittal of journalists Alfred Olufemi and Gidado Shuaib by the Kwara State High Court has been hailed as a triumph for press freedom by the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC).

In a statement issued on Friday, the civil society organization praised the High Court’s decision while simultaneously criticizing the trial magistrate, AS Muhammad, and the police for their involvement in what the high court judges described as a “shoddy trial.”

The Kwara State High Court made a landmark ruling by overturning the conviction of journalists Alfred Olufemi and Gidado Shuaib, who had been charged with defamation following the publication of an article about Hillcrest Agro-Allied Industries Limited.

The report, published in News Digest in 2018, detailed how the company’s staff members allegedly smoked Indian hemp freely within its premises, violating relevant laws and health regulations.

In his verdict, the trial magistrate, A.S. Muhammad, found the journalists guilty of criminal conspiracy and defamation, subsequently sentencing them to two months imprisonment with an option of fine.

However, the journalists appealed the ruling, pointing out flaws in the prosecution’s case and criticizing the magistrate’s handling of the trial.

Following the appellate court’s decision, CISLAC’s Executive Director, Comrade Auwal Rafsanjani, applauded the acquittal of the journalists but criticized the conduct of the trial.

The group raised concerns about the “shoddy and shady” police investigation, which it believes misled the magistrate and led to the wrongful conviction of the journalists.

In response to these developments, the civic group called for a thorough investigation into the handling of the case and urged authorities to hold accountable those responsible for the miscarriage of justice.

Emphasizing the importance of upholding press freedom and ensuring the integrity of the judicial process in Nigeria, CISLAC stated, “The acquittal of Alfred Olufemi and Gidado Shuaib has been hailed as a victory for press freedom, but concerns remain about the conduct of the trial and the role of the judiciary. CISLAC hereby calls for accountability and transparency in the legal system to prevent similar injustices in the future.”

By PRNigeria