Media can avoid defamation liability by ticking the right boxes — Tanko Musah

Mr Musah explained that the law provides several defences that journalists can rely on in defamation cases, provided they are able to show that they followed the right processes before publication.

Speaking on JoyNews’ The Law on Sunday, July 7, Mr Musah said the growing wave of defamation suits against journalists should not leave media practitioners feeling paralysed or afraid to publish stories in the public interest.

Mr Musah stressed that where journalists have done what is expected of them professionally, including verifying facts, acting fairly and avoiding malice, they stand a reasonable chance of successfully defending themselves if sued.