Agba Jalingo: Judge who recused self makes u-turn, grants Ayade’s request

CALABAR, Cross River, Nigeria – Trial of the Publisher of Crossriverwatch.com, Mr. Agba Jalingo continued on Friday before a Federal High Court, sitting in Calabar, Cross River State with lots of drama.

He told the court before the Christmas break that he will be handing over the case for reassignment after an indicting leaked audio. It is not clear why he decided to eat his vomit.

Ironically, it was Justice Simon Amobeda who had recused himself from the case that resumed trial against all ethical norms known to judicial officers.

Justice Amobeda also granted request by the Cross River State Governor to takeover Agba Jalingo’s prosecution through the State Director of Public Prosecution, DPP.

Justice Amobeda resumed trial a day after Amnesty International accused the Cross River State and Federal Government of collaborating to manipulate the criminal justice system to keep Agba Jalingo behind bars.

“Cross River State is fast becoming a den of repression because more people are getting arrested for expressing their opinions.

“The Cross River state authorities must stop the repression. The authorities must respect, protect, promote and ensure the right to freedom of expression and media freedom.

“Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State and the Government of President Muhammadu Buhari must stop filing bogus and politically motivated charges against critics and start listening to what they have to say,” Amnesty International Media Manager, Sanusi Isa said at a press conference on Thursday.