British Judge to ‘refine’ media gag order in Ibori aides’ trial

Sue Lambert, clerk of the Southwark Crown Court, where female aides of former Delta State governor, James Ibori, are standing trial has said presiding Judge, Christopher Hardy, would re-evaluate limits imposed on media coverage of the case today.

Initially, there had been a “not open to the media” ban, reportedly imposed on UK-based organisations.

However, in an interview with NEXT on the telephone yesterday evening, Ms. Lambert said the issue still dominated the day’s proceedings and subsequently disclosed Mr. Hardy’s position on the matter.

“It was raised in court at 2’oclock this afternoon. I’ve been now to see the judge and what he says is: ‘The judge realises this order is expressed in broad terms. It is, of course, intended to guard against any possibility of a miscarriage of justice in regards to future proceedings in this country. However, he is well aware of the interest with which these proceedings are being followed in Nigeria. Therefore, he intends to consult with counsel tomorrow (today) to see if the order can be refined.’”

In response to NEXT reporter’s queries whether a refinement of the existing order would see Nigerian media organisations banned from reporting on the trial, Ms. Lambert declined to give a categorical comment: “I think there has been some reporting on the case, she said. “All I can say is what the judge has said, that there’s no reporting until further order.”

She also insisted Mr. Hardy would be consulting with the prosecution and defence teams to reach a conclusion on the matter: “he’s going to bring it up again in court tomorrow (today) to say whether, in fact, it’s in this country only, or whether it can be limited to certain countries, that’s all I think it can be.”

‘In your interest’

The Southwark Crown Court gallery can take no more than about 30 people and recording of proceedings are not allowed when the court is in session. When NEXT juxtaposed these points against a potential ban of Nigerian media organisations and the need for Nigerians to follow the proceedings, a fact also acknowledged by the judge, Ms. Lambert said; “I can’t comment on that.”

On whether the interests of the Nigerian press and citizens would be taken into consideration in today’s deliberations,” Ms. Lambert replied; “It’s going to be considered tomorrow (today), you could instruct somebody to attend on behalf of your people, Nigeria perhaps. We’re still on legal matters all this week. It might be in your interest to instruct somebody here to attend the court tomorrow morning.”