Drama as magistrate bars journalists from court

IT was a mild drama at a Lagos Magistrate’s Court in Igbosere presided by Magistrate H.O. Amos following an order barring reporters from covering event at the court.

Trouble started yesterday after the Registrar approached reporters who were in court for the day’s business and told them to leave.

Immediately the court rose after presiding over the arraignment of two defendants – Musa Abdullahi and Abubakar Musa – in an alleged £20,000 theft case, the Registrar approached the reporters asking if they were parties in the case.

“No, we are journalists,” replied the three females who were preparing to leave the courtroom.

But the registrar retorted: “It’s just that I did not know. I would not have allowed you people in. Journalists are not allowed to cover this court. You are not welcome here.”

The angry reporters then queried the Registrar for the statement, reminding her that the court was a public place.

The argument drew the Magistrate’s attention who came to the courtroom and re-echoed the Registrar’s words.

When reminded that the court was a public place and open to everyone, Magistrate Amos told the reporters to get a written approval from the Chief Registrar of Igbosere before they could be allowed into his court.

“What I am saying is that for journalists to enter and cover my court, you must bring a written approval from the Chief Registrar, otherwise, you are not allowed.

“Even if you have been covering this court for years and matters like this have been addressed, you can only be permitted in my court when you bring written approval from the Chief Registrar,” said Magistrate Amos.

All efforts to get the Chief Registrar, Magistrate K.O. Ogundare, to comment on the issue failed, as he neither answered his call nor returned a text message sent to his mobile phone.