Journalists found to have distorted facts in reporting proceedings in the ongoing trial of the suspended Chief Justice of Nigeria, Walter Onnoghen will be jailed.
Reason: Distortion of facts amounts to contempt of court.
That is the warning issued by the Chairman of the Code of Conduct Tribunal, CCT, Danladi Umar, on Thursday.
He complained about publications by journalists which followed Monday trial of Onnoghen.
He said facts were distorted.
His words: “There were publications, three print media. Let me start with one. The front page of the newspaper reported: ‘Onnoghen accuses FG of doctoring his asset declaration forms’. Note doctoring.
“Another: ‘Drama as Onnoghen accuses FG of tampering with his asset forms’. These are considered as mischievous, distorted facts, misrepresentation of what transpired.
“You are very lucky today, I would have used the full wrath of this tribunal and send you to prison. I will not hesitate to deal decisively with any journalist distorting facts.
“You will stay there until I retire that is 28 years from now.”
