Izinyon SAN Calls For Checks On Lawyers’ Speech, Comments On Social Media, Says Online Harassment Of Judges Threatens Due Process

*Says Social Media Activism Risks Undermining Justice
*Calls For Consequences For Judges’ Criticism
*Says Social Media Activism Risks Undermining Justice

In an extensive address, prominent Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Alex Izinyon examined the growing impact of social media on legal trials and the judicial system.

Alex Izinyon made the comment in the article titled ‘The Power of Social Media and Its Influence on Decisions of the Bar and the Bench.’

He highlighted issues around lawyers publicly commenting on pending cases, media coverage swaying public opinion, and social media activism interfering in due process.

“There is a proclivity of lawyers, even SANs, to write disparaging social media posts about cases before judgments,” Izinyon said. “Judges face public pressure and online harassment. Trials suffer prejudice through inadmissible evidence and biased coverage. This obstructs justice.”

To ensure fair trials, the senior lawyer made several recommendations. He called for enforcing contempt of court laws against media outlets that obstruct justice. He advocated training and certifying standards for journalists. He emphasized that media freedom cannot include committing contempt.

Izinyon also said the Nigerian Bar Association must discipline lawyers making reckless public statements about judges and cases. “The bar must sanitise itself. Judges also need to carefully consider social media conduct,” he noted. He suggested courts can exercise contempt powers over undeserving media.

The SAN reflected that unrestrained social media activism risks undermining rule of law. “Media is important for democracy but cannot have full rein in reporting trials which aren’t mere social events,” he concluded. Regulating speech and coverage is essential to preserve integrity of Nigeria’s judicial system.