Benue court begins process towards trial of Al-Jazirah correspondent

A High Court in Benue State, sitting in Makurdi, has scheduled a pre-trial conference for October 22 in the case involving Henry Ibya, a correspondent for Al-Jazirah newspaper in Benue.

Justice Shishi adjourned the proceedings on Wednesday after noting that not all documents submitted by the defense had been received by the court. This lack of documentation prevented the scheduled hearing from proceeding.

The judge instructed both parties to ensure that their filings are complete ahead of the upcoming pre-trial conference.

O.A. Alu, one of Ibya’s defense attorneys, spoke with reporters after the hearing. He indicated that the pre-trial conference would allow both sides to clarify the issues in dispute, settle uncontested matters, and adequately prepare for the substantive hearing.

The case stems from a petition submitted by Terna Abuul, identified as the Director of ICT at Moses Orshio Adasu University in Makurdi, regarding a publication allegedly written by Ibya. Following this petition, the police filed criminal charges against Ibya, including allegations of cyberstalking, in a Chief Magistrate Court in Makurdi.

The recent ruling by the High Court paves the way for the pre-trial stage prior to the commencement of the main hearing. Additionally, Ibya is facing other legal actions stemming from the same petition in various courts within the state.

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