The defence team of Uche Geoffrey Nnaji has called for accurate and balanced reporting of proceedings in the ongoing case before the Federal High Court, Abuja, involving the former minister.

The defence made the call in a statement issued by Dr. Robert Ngwu, in response to a media report published under the headline, “UNN, NYSC disowned ex-minister Nnaji’s certificates, witness tells court.”

According to the defence team of Nnaji, a former minister in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, the headline and contents of the report presented allegations by the prosecution as facts, despite the fact that the trial was still ongoing and no judgment had been delivered.

Nnaji was represented in court by a legal team led by 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 said the prosecution presented its first witness, who was subsequently cross-examined by defence counsel.

It said the case was thereafter adjourned until November 5 for continuation of the trial.

The defence further noted that the witness, during proceedings, acknowledged that he did not visit the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), during the investigation.

It also stated that the witness could not identify the faculty from which Nnaji was said to have graduated and could not recall the surname of a registrar he claimed to have interviewed.

According to the statement, defence counsel also drew the witness’s attention during cross-examination to a subsequent letter rescinding the university’s earlier withdrawal of admission.

The defence described those issues as material aspects of the proceedings which, it said, ought to be considered alongside the prosecution’s allegations in any report of the case.

It also clarified that although the court admitted documents tendered by the prosecution, it ruled that objections to their admissibility could be considered at the stage of final address.

“The admission of documents is part of the trial process; it is not a finding that the allegations have been proved,” the defence said.

It added that the evidence would have to be tested through cross-examination and that the defence should be given the opportunity to respond to all allegations before the court determines the matter based on the evidence and applicable law.

The defence expressed concern that inaccurate or materially misleading reporting of proceedings in a matter before the court could prejudice the administration of justice and potentially amount to contempt of court, depending on the circumstances.

It urged journalists covering the case to report proceedings fairly and in their proper context, rather 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 said.

It further urged the media to allow the judicial process to run its course, particularly against the backdrop of what it described as a politically charged campaign season.

The defence said Nnaji remained confident in the Nigerian judiciary and in the ability of the court to assess the evidence impartially.

It said the former minister would continue to defend himself through the judicial process, expressing confidence that the truth would ultimately prevail.

The defence also appealed to Nnaji’s supporters, well-wishers and the people of Enugu State to remain calm and allow the trial to proceed.

It said Nnaji’s vision for Enugu was centred on “Recover, Rebuild and Industrialise,” with emphasis on economic recovery, security, industrial development and job creation.

According to the statement, Nnaji would seek to support people whose shops were demolished without adequate compensation and those whose personal or ancestral lands were allegedly taken by force.

It said his proposed agenda also included rebuilding the state’s economy, strengthening security, supporting the restoration of demolished shops and schools, and attracting new industries to create opportunities for young people.

The defence said such measures were intended to address economic challenges and the outward migration of young people in search of opportunities.

“The truth will be tested in court. Enugu’s future will be decided by its people,” the statement said.