The Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Kazeem Alogba has urged judiciary correspondents to always ensure that they obtain proper records of court proceedings and judgments to avoid misquoting judges.

Alogba made the statement during a courtesy visit by members of the Judicial Editors Forum (JEF) in his Ikeja office at the weekend.

Responding to questions from the forum as it relates to the judgment of courts, the CJ also urged members of the public to “tarry” while commenting on court judgments and proceedings.

According to him, a person is only qualified to comment on a court judgment, when the entire judgment has been seen and read.

“A judgment should not be commented on until the whole judgment is seen and read.

“It is the right of people to comment on judgments constructively and this criticism should seek to guide the Judiciary,” he said

Referring to a recent social media report on a case handled by two judges of the Lagos division, he described both the reports and commentaries as unverified.

“Recently, in the social media there was a case handled by two judges and there were utterances on social media that his colleague must have taken a bribe.

“When I heard of the development, I was not disturbed because I know the calibre of my judges.

“But lo and behold, when I called the two judges and I saw the record of proceedings, you could see the mischiefs by the reports,” he said.

The CJ ordered that once in doubt as to the correct proceedings or judgment in a case, every media practitioners is at liberty to apply for a certified true copy of the record of proceedings.

“Court proceedings are public records; so where in doubt about such a case, a journalist can apply for the CTC of the proceedings and if in an emergency situation, he can attach an affidavit of urgency.

“Although, one is expected to show a “locus” in applying for such CTC, but for journalists, it is a prima facie right by way of their profession and the Freedom of Information Act.

“So, in Lagos State Judiciary, we do not hoard information; ask for it on the right way and you will get it,” he declared.

According to the CJ, sensationalising court proceedings is not in the interest of anyone, and not in the best interest of journalism ethics.

“Let your criticisms be constructive with a clear goal of improving the system! All information required in the conduct of offices as a government organisation will be made available if applied in the right way,” he assured.

Other dignitaries at the event include the chief registrar of the court as well

as other senior judges.