THE LAW OF LIBEL AND PRESS FREEDOM IN NIGERIA

Abstract:

Generally in all societies, great importance is s t i l l attached to individual ‘s reputation and his self esteem. For example the protection of human dignity, the concern which under l i e s libel law is given special constitutional status in Germany under their basic law and recently a person’s reputation was regarded as one of his fundamental l i b e r t i e s protected by the due process clause of the United States Constitution. Thus any one who is concern about the manifold threats to peoples reputation by a section of the Nigerian press, is bound to ask what safe guards against them are provided by the law. It is in view of these, that the topic of this t h e s i s namely The Law of Libel and Press Freedom in Nigeria has been choosen. The research gave with the backing of legal a u t h o r i t i e s , situations which lacks legal remedies, as a result meets this question in two ways viz :- (a) The research gave an account of the laws which protects and guarantees freedom of the press on one hand and peoples reputation in various context on the other hand, and cites some recent judicial decisions. (b) Secondly, the research made a number of suggestions for new legislation.

CHAPTER ONE

of the thesis consists of introduction, the historical evolution of the early and modern press in Nigeria; and the meaning of the term press freedom.

CHAPTER TWO

examines the constitutional basis of press freedom and proceed to discuss some legal restraints or limitations to press freedom.

CHAPTER THREE

focuses on the law of defamatory libel and the press in Nigeria, and also examined the extent to which English defamation laws can be applied side by side with the Customary law of defamation in Nigeria.

CHAPTER FOUR

considers the traditional defences available to a defendant of libel suits and the possible remedies available to the successful plaintiff in such action.

CHAPTER FIVE

being the last chapter consists mainly of conclusion and suggestions for new legislation