The Benue State High Court in Makurdi has set October 22 for the pre-trial conference in the ongoing legal case involving Henry Ibya, a correspondent for Al-Jazirah newspaper. The court, presided over by Justice Shishi, adjourned the matter on Wednesday after it was revealed that not all documents submitted by the defence had been received, making it impossible to proceed with the scheduled hearing. The judge directed both parties to ensure all filings are properly regularised before the pre-trial conference, which is a crucial step in streamlining the legal process.
The case stems from a petition reportedly filed by Terna Abuul, identified as the Director of Information and Communication Technology at Moses Orshio Adasu University in Makurdi. Abuul alleged that Ibya authored a publication that led to criminal charges being filed against him. The police subsequently instituted charges of cyberstalking against Ibya before a Chief Magistrate Court in Makurdi, marking the beginning of legal proceedings that have now moved to the High Court.
One of Ibya’s defence lawyers, O.A. Alu, spoke with journalists after the court session, explaining that the pre-trial conference will allow both parties to identify and narrow down the key issues in dispute. He emphasized that the process will also help resolve any uncontested matters and prepare the case for a substantive hearing. This procedural step is essential in ensuring that the trial proceeds efficiently and focuses only on the core legal questions.
The High Court’s recent ruling marks a significant development in the case, paving the way for the pre-trial stage before the actual trial begins. It also underscores the importance of proper documentation and compliance with court procedures in legal matters. Ibya is currently facing multiple legal actions arising from the same petition in different courts within Benue State, highlighting the complexity and wide-reaching nature of the case.
The outcome of this case could have broader implications for press freedom and journalistic practices in Nigeria, especially concerning digital content and allegations of cyberstalking. As the pre-trial conference approaches, all eyes will be on how the court manages the procedural aspects and whether the case will lead to a resolution or further legal challenges. The matter continues to draw attention from media professionals, legal experts, and civil society groups across the country.
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