Chief Registrar of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Barrister Kabir Akanbi, has called on judiciary correspondents to be fair, balanced, and objective in their coverage of the nation’s judicial system.
Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Abuja chapter of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC), led by Mr. Kayode Lawal of Daily Post, Akanbi stressed the importance of protecting the image and credibility of the judiciary through fact-based and responsible journalism.
He expressed concern over the rising trend of sensational and misleading reports, especially on social media, which he said often distort facts and misrepresent the judiciary.
“It is unjust to condemn the entire judiciary based on the shortcomings of a few,” Akanbi stated. “The vast majority of judicial officers are men and women of honour and integrity, committed to their duties without fear or favour.”
Akanbi noted that the National Judicial Council (NJC) is actively addressing misconduct within the system and emphasized that generalizing the conduct of a few undermines the country’s legal institutions and tarnishes Nigeria’s global image.
He pointed out that many judges are vulnerable to misreporting because they do not have media aides to clarify or defend their actions, leaving the public with one-sided narratives.
“When false or exaggerated reports go unchecked, the damage is not just to the judiciary but to Nigeria as a whole,” he warned.
The Chief Registrar encouraged stronger collaboration between judiciary correspondents and court officials to improve public understanding and preserve trust in the justice system.
In his remarks, NAJUC Chairman, Mr. Kayode Lawal, congratulated Akanbi on his appointment and reaffirmed the association’s commitment to promoting factual, fair, and professional coverage of the judiciary.
He noted that judiciary correspondents serve as a bridge between the courts and the public and emphasized the importance of mutual trust and cooperation.
Also speaking, Barrister Tobi Soniyi, Special Assistant (Media) to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between NAJUC and the Supreme Court and called for its continued strengthening.
Top management staff of the apex court were in attendance during the meeting.