Cross River Courts To Vet Journalists Before Covering Proceedings

Courts in Cross River State have made known their intention to
start vetting journalists before they are allowed to cover and
report any judicial proceedings.

This was revealed by Justice Simon Amobeda on Monday during the
trial of the detained journalist, Agba Jalingo.

The judge had earlier detained two photojournalists, Mr. Leo
Ashiebe and Mr. Patrick Obia, in his office for taking pictures of
the court premises.

A journalist, who witnessed the scenario and pleaded anonymity,
said, “They met with Justice Simon Amobeda who asked them to
introduce themselves.

“He made Leo Ashiebe who was standing in for Williams Udida to
contact Williams.

“He said he could get them arrested if they could not identify
themselves properly.

“He then called the Registrar to take them to his office and
wrote their names, addresses and telephone numbers.

“The judge announced that starting from January 2020, nobody
would be allowed to come into the court with a phone, stating that
the era of reporting court proceeding without clearance was
over.”