Court Adjourns Benue Journalist’s Trial Till 2026

A Chief Magistrate in the Makurdi Magisterial Division, Kevin Mbanongun Esq., has adjourned to March 11, 2026, the case instituted by the Commissioner of Police against Henry Ibya, a journalist with Aljazirah Newspaper, for further mention.

Ibya is being prosecuted for alleged defamation, cyberstalking, and other related offences.

When the matter came up for hearing, the prosecutor informed the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) had advised that the case be filed at the State High Court for proper adjudication.

Counsel to the accused, Barr. Tom Uja, said the DPP’s advice implied that the matter had merit and was suitable for hearing before the High Court. He, however, expressed concern that the said advice was not contained in the court’s records.

According to him, “From all indications, that so-called advice from the DPP is not in the court’s records. The prosecutor did not have it in court, and I have not been served.”

Barrister Uja argued that it was standard legal practice for both the defence and the prosecution to possess copies of the DPP’s advice, while the magistrate should also have it on record.

He, however, commended the magistrate for granting a long adjournment, noting that it would enable the prosecutor to file the case appropriately in the High Court.

The defence counsel questioned whether the Magistrate Court still retained jurisdiction over the matter since the DPP had advised that it be transferred to a higher court.

Uja stressed that “entertaining the matter further depends on the availability of the DPP’s advice, which clearly recommends that the High Court should handle the case to ensure my client gets justice.”

Responding to concerns that the long adjournment might delay justice, he countered, saying, “Do not forget that justice rushed is justice crushed.”

He added that since the police were responsible for prosecuting such matters, it was important for them to act with due diligence and follow the DPP’s legal guidance before proceeding to the High Court.

The counsel explained that before the DPP’s advice was issued, the police had presented the accused before the magistrate under what is legally referred to as a “holding charge” — a temporary custody arrangement pending legal advice.

Barr. Uja further justified the long adjournment, noting that it would give the prosecution sufficient time to prepare the case properly for trial at the High Court.