Nigeria’s Federal Government Moves to Appeal Court Order on Journalists’ Protection

January 19, 2026 – Nigeria – 

The Federal Government of Nigeria has filed an application with the Court of Appeal in Abuja seeking permission to challenge a 2024 Federal High Court judgment that directed it to investigate, prosecute, and prevent attacks against journalists and other media practitioners, reigniting debate over press safety and state accountability. The motion was lodged in late December 2025 by counsel from the Federal Ministry of Justice on behalf of the Attorney-General of the Federation, and requests an extension of time to appeal after the statutory three-month filing window elapsed.

The original judgment, handed down on February 16, 2024, stemmed from a suit brought by Media Rights Agenda (MRA), a Nigerian press freedom group led by human rights lawyer Mojirayo Ogunlana-Nkanga. In that ruling, Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja recognised journalism as a constitutional profession protected under Section 39 of the Nigerian Constitution and granted all eight declaratory reliefs sought by MRA. The government was ordered to take concrete measures to ensure journalists’ safety, including investigating and prosecuting those responsible for attacks and establishing mechanisms to prevent further violations.

MRA’s case drew attention to a longstanding pattern of violence against media workers in Nigeria, citing historic killings and attacks on journalists that have often remained unsolved or inadequately addressed by authorities over decades. Several prominent figures—such as Newswatch magazine co-founder Dele Giwa and others killed or attacked in the course of their work—were referenced to underscore the urgency of state action on press protection.

In its appeal application, the Federal Government argued that errors in the High Court’s judgment justify exercising its constitutional right to challenge the decision. However, the motion does not provide a detailed justification for the nearly 22-month delay in filing, beyond a general claim that the appeal is sought “in the interest of justice.” Litigation officer Kelechi Ohaeri filed an affidavit asserting that an appeal notice had been prepared and that the court’s discretion to grant more time would enable the government to raise grounds of appeal under the constitution. No hearing date has yet been scheduled.

Press freedom advocates and civil society groups have described the government’s move as part of a larger struggle over the enforcement of protections for journalists in Nigeria, where compliance with judicial directives on media safety has historically been inconsistent. The appeal will be closely watched for its implications on state responsibility to prevent and respond to violence and harassment against journalists.

Reference –

https://naijapolitics.ng/fg-appeal-journalists-protection/

https://www.nairaland.com/8602536/fg-appeal-judgment-directing-investigation

https://guardian.ng/news/fg-to-appeal-judgment-on-attacks-against-journalists/