The Cable News Network, Inc. (CNN) has objected to the request by the Lagos Judicial Panel of Inquiry and Restitution of Victims of SARS Related Abuses, for its team of reporters to appear before it on Saturday, December 12, to give evidence on their reportage of the #EndSARS Lekki shooting.
Recall that the media
house carried out a detailed investigation into the October 20 gunshot incident
at the Lekki tollgate and shared its findings in a two-part documentary
released in November. In the reports, the media house alleged that the military
did fire live ammunition at the #EndSARS protesters, an allegation the Federal
government and the Nigerian Army have consistently denied.
At the ongoing panel
of inquiry investigating the October 20 incident, the media house was invited
to come and give evidence on the findings of its independent investigation.
In a letter written by
its lawyers, Messrs.Olumide Babalola LP, the international news outfit said the
Panel lacks jurisdiction to summon its staff since they are not in Nigeria. The
media house filed the objection dated 4th December 2020 at the Tribunal on
December 9, 2020.
The letter of
objection reads in part
“Since the Objectors
are not “persons in Nigeria” as envisaged by the provision of section 5(c) (of
Tribunals Of Inquiry Law Of Lagos State, Cap. T6), then this Honourable
Tribunal is, with respect, bereft of territorial jurisdiction to compel their
attendance to give evidence before it.”
According to Babalola,
the panel invited him into its Private Hearing Room this morning and
subsequently excused CNN from further proceedings or appearing before the
Panel.
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