Two media rights groups, Media Rights Agenda (MRA) and the International Press Centre (IPC), have taken their fight for press freedom to the Court of Appeal. The groups are appealing a Federal High Court judgment that dismissed their case against the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) for refusing to investigate former Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi, over allegations of abuse of office.

In the appeal filed by their lawyer, Noah Ajare, the groups are asking the appellate court in Abuja to reverse the November 29, 2024, ruling by Justice Obiora Egwuatu, who said they failed to show proof that their petition was properly delivered to the CCB and its chairman.

But MRA and IPC argue otherwise. They say they presented credible evidence, including email and courier delivery records, showing that their petition—submitted back in April 2021—was duly served.

The groups initially asked the court to compel the CCB to probe Umahi over allegations that he ordered the arrest of a journalist and banned two others for life from entering any state government premises—actions they claim violate press freedom and good governance principles.

In a statement made available to journalists on Friday by MRA’s Communications Officer, Idowu Adewale, the organizations faulted the court for focusing on technicalities rather than addressing the bigger issues of freedom of expression, accountability, and public interest.

They also insist they have the legal right (locus standi) to pursue such matters, as defenders of journalists' rights and public accountability.

The appeal, they say, is not just about one governor but about setting a precedent that public officials must be held accountable, and that civil society has a key role in protecting democracy and free speech.