Court in Kwara State acquits journalists, criticises trial process
The Kwara State High Court, serving as an appellate court in Ilorin, has overturned the conviction of investigative reporter Alfred Olufemi and News Digest editor Gidado Shuaib.
The journalists, previously found guilty by a magistrate’s court in February 2023 over a report against Hillcrest Agro-Allied Industries Limited, were acquitted following a scathing critique of the police and trial magistrate for a flawed trial.
The contentious report, published by News Digest in 2018, alleged misconduct by Hillcrest Agro-Allied Industries Limited, accusing its staff of openly smoking Indian hemp on the premises, in violation of laws and health regulations.
The high court’s judgment on February 14 highlighted the flaws in the initial trial, particularly the inadequate handling by both the police and the trial magistrate. Led by Justice Akanbi, a three-man panel concluded that the appeal had substantial merit, leading to the quashing of the previous conviction and a verdict of discharge and acquittal for the journalists.
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During the appeal, the journalists’ lawyer, Yunus AbdulSalam, argued that the prosecution failed to establish its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
He pointed out discrepancies in the police investigation report, underscoring that it was issued before the journalists were invited for questioning.
The appellate judges, consisting of Justice M.O Adegbite, Justice S.B Olanipekun, and Justice S.M Akanbi, strongly criticised the police and trial magistrate for their roles in the flawed conviction.
They expressed serious reservations about the questionable investigation that misled the trial magistrate.
The court’s judgment also shed light on the absence of former acting Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Sarah Alade, who was at the center of the defamation claims.
The judges raised doubts about the prosecution’s case, noting the failure of Mrs. Alade to appear in court as a key witness.
In response to the favorable outcome, the journalists’ lawyer, Mr. AbdulSalam, hailed the decision as a triumph for truth, press freedom, and the rule of law.
He underscored the significance of a fair and impartial legal process in safeguarding the principles of justice and protecting the rights of journalists.
