Nigeria, June 20 -- Questions about arbitrariness and secrecy in Akwa Ibom's justice system emerged after a complainant was thrown out of a courtroom and journalists were prevented from covering a matter of public interest in a criminal case stemming from alleged destruction of farmland by cattle.

At least three journalists told PREMIUM TIMES they were denied access to Magistrate Court 7 in Uyo while attempting to cover proceedings in the case of Commissioner of Police v. Abdullahi Yusuf, a prosecution arising from allegations that cattle repeatedly invaded farms owned by investigative journalist and farmer Ibanga Isine.

Mr Isine, who petitioned the police after a series of alleged farm invasions was himself ordered out of the courtroom...