The defence group of Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, a former Minister, has referred to as for correct and balanced reporting of proceedings within the ongoing case involving its consumer earlier than the Federal High Court Abuja.
The defence made the decision in a press release issued by Dr. Robert Ngwu, for (Chief Uche Nnaji Nwakaibie Campaign Team), in response to a media report revealed below the headline, “UNN, NYSC disowned ex-minister Nnaji’s certificates, witness tells court.”
According to the defence, the headline and contents of the report introduced allegations by the prosecution as established info, even if the trial was nonetheless ongoing and no judgment had been delivered.
Nnaji was represented in courtroom by a authorized group led by Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, alongside Bode Olanipekun, SAN, Opeyemi Adekoya, Raymond Nkannebe, Ifeanyi Nwabueze and Oluwashola Adeshina.
The prosecution was represented by J.A. Mumuni, SAN.
The defence stated the prosecution introduced its first witness, who was subsequently cross-examined by defence counsel.
It stated the case was thereafter adjourned till Nov. 5 for continuation of the trial.
The defence additional famous that the witness, throughout proceedings, acknowledged that he didn’t go to the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), throughout the investigation.
It additionally acknowledged that the witness couldn’t determine the college from which Nnaji was stated to have graduated and couldn’t recall the surname of a registrar he claimed to have interviewed.
According to the assertion, defence counsel additionally drew the witness’s consideration throughout cross-examination to a subsequent letter rescinding the college’s earlier withdrawal of admission.
The defence described these points as materials facets of the proceedings which, it stated, must be thought-about alongside the prosecution’s allegations in any report of the case.
It additionally clarified that though the courtroom admitted paperwork tendered by the prosecution, it dominated that objections to their admissibility may very well be thought-about on the stage of remaining tackle.
“The admission of documents is part of the trial process; it is not a finding that the allegations have been proved,” the defence stated.
It added that the proof must be examined by means of cross-examination and that the defence must be given the chance to reply to all allegations earlier than the courtroom determines the matter primarily based on the proof and relevant legislation.
The defence expressed concern that wrong or materially deceptive reporting of proceedings in a matter earlier than the courtroom may prejudice the administration of justice and probably quantity to contempt of courtroom, relying on the circumstances.
It urged journalists masking the case to report proceedings pretty and of their correct context, slightly than presenting allegations as conclusions.
“The omissions and emphasis in the report raise a legitimate question about whether it reflects the proceedings in their full context,” the defence stated.
It additional urged the media to permit the judicial course of to run its course, notably in opposition to the backdrop of what it described as a politically charged marketing campaign season.
The defence stated Nnaji remained assured within the Nigerian judiciary and within the capacity of the courtroom to evaluate the proof impartially.
It stated the previous minister would proceed to defend himself by means of the judicial course of, expressing confidence that the reality would in the end prevail.
The defence additionally appealed to Nnaji’s supporters, well-wishers and the individuals of Enugu State to stay calm and permit the trial to proceed.
It stated Nnaji’s imaginative and prescient for Enugu was centred on “Recover, Rebuild and Industrialise,” with emphasis on financial restoration, safety, industrial improvement and job creation.
According to the assertion, Nnaji would search to assist individuals whose outlets have been demolished with out ample compensation and people whose private or ancestral lands have been allegedly taken by pressure.
It stated his proposed agenda additionally included rebuilding the state’s financial system, strengthening safety, supporting the restoration of demolished outlets and faculties, and attracting new industries to create alternatives for younger individuals.
The defence stated such measures have been supposed to deal with financial challenges and the outward migration of younger individuals in search of alternatives.
“The truth will be tested in court. Enugu’s future will be decided by its people,” the assertion stated.
