Lawyer To Journalists : Don’t Relent To Apologize When Wrong Information Is Published

By Roland Ekama 

A Lagos based Lawyer, Barrister Abdullahi Tony Dania has called on media practitioners not to relent to apologize when wrong information was published as part of measures to avoid legal actions.

The frontline lawyer made the plea at a workshop organised by Feedback Communications Company in collaboration with Maritime Media Executives themed ‘Provisions and Implications of the Cybercrime Act 2015 as Amended ‘held on 10th September, 2024 .

Dania stated that apologies from the journalist to the individual involved in the story will not destroy his career rather it will save him from litigation, detention, money, time wastage etc.

While pointing out that there are situations where wrong information is published and the individual involved seeks legal action against the journalist in question, the journalist can apologise and withdraw such publication.

He said ” If you are convicted of libel, cyber bullying or cyber stalking, apologise and retract the information ”

Speaking to journalists the lawyer noted that spreading fake and unverified news could blackmail a person’s reputation, adding that Cybercrime involves criminal use of digital technology for cyber bullying, cyber stalking or circulation of false information.

Barrister Dania, urged journalists to be courteous in their reportage, saying that” verify every information before publishing.If you are not sure of a particular information about a person, Organization or the government, do not say anything about it”.

He advised that journalists have justifiable evidences before circulation of news publications.

” Make sure you have voice or video records or signed statement of the individual involved”, the lawyer noted

 

Barrister Dania stated that the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) which gives journalist the freedom to express themselves should not be taken for granted ,even as he opined that a task force that regulates the use of cyberspace be created by the government.

Speaking from the media perspective, Mr Ismail Aniemu, Publisher of JournalNG spoke about prevention and management of Cybercrime pitfalls.

He noted that journalism practice has evolved from the use of analog tools to the use of digital tools which makes it easier . He advised that journalists maintain their integrity while carrying out their activities.

He advised that correction and apology is made immediately there is an allegation of circulation of wrong information.

” Some journalists do not know about the Cybercrime Act.The future is now online.As fast as a news story is spread,lies, mistakes and blunders are spread too. Ensure that you are truthful.Journalism is a social responsibility and should be practiced with integrity ” he said.