By Dare Akogun
A former Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Ilorin Chapter, Taofeek Olateju Esq, has cautioned the Nigerian police against the arbitrary use of ex-parte motions to gag and intimidate journalists in the performance of their duties.
Olateju made this call while speaking at a one-day Capacity Building Training organized by the Association of Kwara Online Media Practitioners (ASKOMP) for its members in Ilorin.
He emphasized that the 1999 Constitution, as amended, guarantees freedom of expression under Section 39(1), asserting that no other law should criminalize this freedom.
Speaking on the topic “Strategic Laws Against Public Participation (SLAPP),” he stated that individuals, companies, or government bodies aggrieved by alleged slanderous or libelous publications should seek legal recourse through civil courts rather than petitioning the police or security agencies to silence individuals.
According to him, “If someone feels aggrieved by a slanderous or libelous publication, they should approach a civil court or high court with the jurisdiction to hear and determine the matter instead of petitioning the police or security agencies to silence the person.
“There is no need for additional laws to criminalize freedom of expression. Defamation, injurious falsehood, and criminal defamation are clearly defined in our constitution. Journalists doing their work legitimately should be protected,” he said.
In her remarks, the Police Public Relations Officer, Kwara State Command, DSP Ejire Adetoun-Adeyemi, commended ASKOMP for organizing the training for its members.
She assured that the police in the state would continue to maintain a good working relationship with journalists.
ASKOMP Chairman, Salihu Shola Taofeek, expressed gratitude to stakeholders in the state for making the work of online journalists easier through strategic partnerships and support.
He said the training underscores the desire of the association to continue to improve and sharpen skills of it’s members as demanded by the profession.
The high point of the event was the announcement of Taofiq Olateju Esq as the official Legal Adviser of the association.
