The House of Representatives on Thursday, November 12, 2026, addressed the growing trend of unwarranted intimidation, harassment, and public vilification directed at judicial officers across social media and broadcasting networks.
Moving a motion on the floor of the House, Hon. Ademorin Aliu Kuye emphasized that judicial independence remains a foundational pillar of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy under the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
The House expressed deep concern over several critical issues affecting the dispensation of justice. While recognizing Section 39 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and the press, lawmakers noted a disturbing shift where public commentators and legal practitioners engage in personal attacks against judges rather than addressing the legal principles and reasoning of judgments. Concern over social media platforms, online publications, and broadcasting networks that are increasingly utilized to circulate unverified allegations, misleading interpretations, and inflammatory commentaries without proper examination of court records or evidence.
Furthermore, it was noted that sustained campaigns of intimidation expose judges to undue pressure, weaken public trust in the judiciary, and threaten the constitutional principle of the separation of powers. The House firmly maintained that protecting judicial independence is not designed to place judges above accountability or legitimate public scrutiny, but rather to ensure that judicial officers can discharge their duties without unlawful threats, fear, or external pressure.
To safeguard the integrity of the bench while preserving constitutional freedoms, the House resolved to take a multi-pronged approach involving key stakeholders:
- Urged the Federal Ministry of Justice to enhance public awareness regarding lawful legal mechanisms available to litigants seeking redress against judicial decisions or alleged misconduct.
- Called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to bolster mechanisms for addressing threats, harassment, and improper influences against judicial officers.
- Urged the Body of Benchers and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to reinforce professional standards, ensuring lawyers express disagreement through constructive channels rather than abusive conduct or personal attacks.
- Instructed the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to ensure media organizations adhere strictly to fairness, accuracy, and responsible reporting standards when discussing court proceedings.
- Mandated relevant law enforcement agencies to investigate credible reports of threats, incitement to violence, and unlawful attempts to intimidate judicial officers.
Lawmakers formally mandated the Committees on Judiciary and Human Rights to engage stakeholders, including the NJC, NBA, NBC, and the Ministry of Justice, to formulate practical protective measures, with a report expected within four weeks for further legislative action.
