AFRICAN NEWSPAPERS OF NIGERIA & ORS V. FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA
(1985) JELR 42542 (SC)
Supreme Court
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SC.33/1984
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4 Apr 1985
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Nigeria
Coram
SAIDU KAWU JSC;
CHUKWUDIFU AKUNNE OPUTA JSC;
DAHUNSI OLUGBEMI COKER JSC;
ANDREWS OTUTU OBASEKI JSC;
ANTHONY NNAEMEZIE ANIAGOLU JSC;
Appearances
Mr. G. O. K. Ajayi ( with him, Miss. Ayo Ogunsola, Mr. Dolu Segan and Mr. Ademola Folarin)Mr. J. O. Awopeju ( with him, Mr. A. O. A. Awopeju) Mr. Olaniwun Ajayi For Appellant
Mr. A. A. Oladapo for D. P. P. Federal Republic of Nigeria ( with him, Mrs. E. O. Williams Dawodu) For Respondent
Judgement
<p><strong>A. N. ANIAGOLU, JSC (Delivering the Leading Judgment):</strong> The simple issue in this appeal is the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court to try the appellants on a three-count charge brought against them, in the said Federal High Court, by the Director of Public Prosecutions of the Federation, on 10th September, 1981.</p><p> The three counts were for:</p><p> (a) Seditious publication contrary to section 51(1)(c) of the Criminal Code Act Cap.42; </p><p> (b) Publication of false news with intent to cause fear and alarm to the public, under section 59(1) of the Criminal Code; and </p><p> (c) Publication of false news likely to disturb public peace contrary to the same section of the Criminal Code. </p><p> The full charges with their particulars read: and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 51(1)(c) of the Criminal Code. Cap.42 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.</p><p> COUNT 1 </p><p> That you, (1) the African Newspapers of Nigeria Limited, (2) Banji Ogundele and (3) Felix Adenaike, on or about the 28th day of July 1981, a…</p>