In a funny turn of events, a Justice of the Federal High Court, Lagos, has jailed an American woman for operating her cell-phone during court proceedings.
Justice Rita Ofili-Ajumogobia of the Federal High Court in Lagos has remanded an American, Megan Chapman, in the court’s holding cell for about 20 minutes for operating her mobile phone during proceedings.
Chapman, who is the Co – Executive Director, Community Legal Support Initiative, was walked out of the court by the angry judge and directed to be escorted to the holding cell by the court’s support staff.American
The American, who sat at the last row in the court, did not know that Justice Ofili-Ajumogobia was watching her operating her phone contrary to a notice placed on the door, warning people coming into the court to switch off their phone.
The Judge later ordered her release, following pleas from lawyers in court.
After the incident, Chapman told journalists that she has learnt her lessons, adding that her action was not intentional.
She said: “I was replying an urgent message. It was not like I intentionally disrespected the court but I have learnt my lessons. I have apologised to the court for my action.’’
“The prison officers were kind to and treated me well in the short period I was there.”
Asked what brought her to court, Chapman said she came in respect of a fundamental rights suit her group had filed against the Ojora of Lagos, Chief Abdul Fatai Aromire.
The case, marked FHC/L/CS/346, was instituted by the NGO on behalf of residents of Badia East in Apapa-Iganmu, LCDA, who were not parties nor represented in suit LD/443/2002, decided by the Supreme Court.