Investigative journalist and farmer Ibanga Isine has publicly detailed what he described as his humiliation and denial of a fair hearing at Magistrate’s Court 7 in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, on June 18, 2026.
In a strongly worded statement on his Facebook timeline, Isine, who is the complainant in a case involving herders destroying his farms, accused court officials and the magistrate of violating his constitutional right to a fair hearing and restricting press freedom during proceedings.
Isine, who operates two large commercial farms in Uyo, said his farms have been repeatedly invaded by herders and their cattle, resulting in massive destruction of crops worth millions of naira. He stated that despite petitions to the Commissioner of Police and the State Task Force on Open Grazing, the invasions continued.
One suspect, Abdullahi Yusuf, was eventually arrested and arraigned. However, Isine claimed that on the scheduled hearing date, he was not properly informed of proceedings, and when he appeared in court as directed by the police prosecutor, he was ordered out by the magistrate without being heard.
According to him, journalists who came to cover the matter were also denied access to the courtroom, even after presenting valid identity cards. He said the magistrate became visibly angry and ordered both him and the journalists out of the court.
“What happened in the courtroom was not only a personal humiliation. It raised serious issues about judicial impartiality, the constitutional right to a fair hearing and freedom of the press,” Isine stated.
He further alleged that the police prosecutor, Mr Blessing Essien, failed to adequately notify him of hearing dates and was absent from court on the day, despite directing him to appear. Isine has called on the Chief Judge of Akwa Ibom State, Hon. Justice Ekaette Fabian-Obot, to investigate the conduct of Magistrate Godwin Edemekong and the court officials involved. He also urged the Nigerian Bar Association to look into the actions of the police prosecutor.
Additionally, he appealed to Governor Umo Eno to ensure strict enforcement of the Akwa Ibom State Anti-Open Grazing Law to protect farmers and agricultural investments in the state.
The incident has sparked discussions about judicial transparency, press freedom, and the protection of farmers in Akwa Ibom State. As of the time of this report, neither the Akwa Ibom State Judiciary nor the police have issued an official response to the allegations.
This case highlights ongoing tensions between farmers and herders in the state, despite the existence of anti-open grazing laws. Many stakeholders believe stronger enforcement and better coordination between security agencies and the judiciary are needed to protect agricultural investments.
