Ex-Plateau Speaker and colleagues attacked Journalist in Court

A former Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly Hon. Istifanus Mwansat, and his other colleagues today at the Jos high court premises allegedly the Jos bureau chief of New Nigerian Newspapers, also a Liberty TV reporter, Buhari Bukar Bello

Speaking to African Drum, the Journalist said he was at the State high court 6, with other colleagues to cover a suit filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) against the former Speaker and his colleagues; Hon. John Clark, Hon. Joyce Ramnap, Hon. Joe Dawan, Hon. Dio Lamul, Hon. Jibrin Michael and Hon. Dalyop Mancha, over an alleged corrupt practice of N32m.

The defendants, who were said not to be happy with the presence of Bello and other journalists, informed the presiding judge, after being ducked, that Bello, was recording their faces and court proceedings.

But Bello said he told the judge that he wasn’t recording any proceedings of the court using his camera or phone, however, justice Dabup is quoted to have said that the law only allows for the recording of proceedings using pen and paper and not using electronic device or telephone and ordered for the confiscation of Bello’s camera and phone which was later giving back to him.

However, soon after the court proceedings, Bello alleged Hon. Mwansat, attacked,, pullout his camera, thereafter Hon. Joyce Ramnap former deputy speaker, pushed him and he hit the wall while other former members showered abuses on him.

“Buhari further alleged that Hon Mwansat further told him “Buhari, if not because its you, I know you, you wouldn’t have leave this place,” All efforts to Hon Mwansat proved abortive as his cellphone did not go through.

Credit: African Drum Magazine