Reps Seek Probe Into Threats Against Judges, Insist Criticism Must Be Distinguished From Intimidation

The House of Representatives has called on relevant law enforcement agencies to investigate credible reports of threats, harassment and attempts to intimidate judicial officers across the country.

The lawmakers said individuals found to have committed offences should face appropriate legal action, stressing the need to protect judicial independence without undermining Nigerians’ constitutional right to freedom of expression.

The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Ademorin Kuye, who represents Shomolu Federal Constituency of Lagos State, on the need to safeguard judicial officers from intimidation, harassment and public vilification through social media and broadcasting platforms.

Leading the debate, Kuye said judicial independence remained a fundamental pillar of Nigeria’s constitutional democracy and the rule of law.

He expressed concern that some commentators and legal practitioners had resorted to personal attacks against judges instead of addressing the legal principles, reasoning and findings contained in their judgments.

The lawmaker also faulted the circulation of unverified allegations, misleading interpretations and inflammatory commentaries about court proceedings without proper examination of court records, evidence and legal arguments.

He warned that sustained campaigns of intimidation and personal vilification could expose judges to undue pressure, weaken public confidence in the judiciary and threaten the constitutional principle of separation of powers.

Kuye, however, acknowledged that citizens, journalists and legal practitioners had the right to scrutinise and criticise judicial decisions responsibly, as guaranteed under Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution.

He maintained that legitimate criticism of judgments must be distinguished from personal attacks, threats and harassment directed at judicial officers.

Lawmakers divided over motion

The motion generated differing views among members, with some lawmakers warning that measures intended to protect judges must not become instruments for restricting free speech or media scrutiny.

The Deputy Minority Whip, Mansur Soro, cautioned against any attempt to undermine the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression.

He argued that existing institutions, including the courts and the police, already had mechanisms for addressing threats, harassment and other forms of misconduct.

Soro urged the House to first mandate its relevant committees to investigate reported cases of intimidation and establish the circumstances before considering further measures.

Similarly, Aliyu Misau said public confidence in the judiciary must be earned through transparent and credible judgments. He called for investigations to identify those responsible for alleged intimidation and establish the facts surrounding the incidents.

However, Patrick Umoh supported the motion, warning that public attacks on judges based on claims that may not reflect actual court records could undermine the justice system.

He expressed concern that the situation could worsen as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections, when election-related disputes may place additional pressure on judicial officers.

Peter Anakwe, on the other hand, warned that the motion could be interpreted as an attempt to silence journalists and citizens who criticise public institutions.

He argued that judicial decisions must remain open to public scrutiny and that the judiciary should also demonstrate accountability by addressing complaints against erring judicial officers.

Wole Oke maintained that protecting judges from intimidation was different from shielding their judgments from legitimate criticism. He urged lawmakers to support measures against harassment without restricting the right to question court decisions.

Responding to the concerns, Kuye said the motion was not intended to create new offences or deny Nigerians their constitutional rights, but to encourage the enforcement of existing laws against threats and intimidation.

House directs engagement with judicial institutions

Following deliberations, the House urged the National Judicial Council to strengthen mechanisms for receiving and addressing credible complaints involving threats, harassment and attempts to improperly influence judicial officers.

It also called on the Body of Benchers and the Nigerian Bar Association to reinforce professional standards among lawyers, particularly in public comments on pending cases and judicial decisions.

The lawmakers further urged the National Broadcasting Commission to strengthen compliance with broadcasting standards when media organisations discuss court proceedings and judgments.

The Federal Ministry of Justice was also urged to promote public awareness of lawful procedures available to litigants seeking redress over judicial decisions or alleged misconduct.

In addition, the House called on journalists, political actors and social media users to avoid personal attacks capable of intimidating judicial officers.

Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas, subsequently mandated the joint Committees on Judiciary and Human Rights to engage the NJC, Body of Benchers, NBA, NBC, Federal Ministry of Justice and other relevant stakeholders on practical measures to address the concerns.

The committees are expected to report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.

The House said the process should protect judicial officers against unlawful intimidation while preserving freedom of expression and the public’s right to scrutinise judicial decisions.