Lawyers Highlight Cross-Examination Issues, Insist Allegations Remain Before the Court
The defence team of former Minister Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji has called on journalists to ensure accurate, balanced and contextual reporting of the ongoing case involving him at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In a statement issued by Dr. Robert Ngwu on behalf of the Chief Uche Nnaji Nwakaibie Campaign Team, the defence expressed concern over a media report titled “UNN, NYSC Disowned Ex-Minister Nnaji’s Certificates, Witness Tells Court.”
The team argued that the report presented allegations by the prosecution as established facts, despite the trial remaining ongoing and the court yet to deliver judgment.
According to the defence, the prosecution presented its first witness, who was subsequently cross-examined by defence counsel. The case was adjourned until November 5, 2026, for continuation of the proceedings.
The statement highlighted aspects of the cross-examination which the defence said deserved attention. It claimed that the witness acknowledged he had not visited the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), during the investigation, could not identify the faculty from which Nnaji allegedly graduated and could not recall the surname of a registrar he claimed to have interviewed.
The defence also said counsel drew the witness’s attention to a subsequent letter rescinding the university’s earlier withdrawal of admission.
On the court’s handling of documents tendered by the prosecution, the defence clarified that their admission did not amount to a judicial determination that the allegations had been proved. It said objections to their admissibility could be considered during final addresses.
“The admission of documents is part of the trial process; it is not a finding that the allegations have been proved,” the statement said.
The team stressed that the evidence must be tested through the judicial process and that Nnaji should have the opportunity to respond to the allegations before the court reaches a decision.
It further cautioned that inaccurate or misleading reporting in an ongoing case could affect the administration of justice and, depending on the circumstances, raise concerns about contempt of court.
The defence urged media organisations to report court proceedings fairly, ensuring that allegations, witness testimony and arguments by both sides are presented in their proper context.
It also appealed to Nnaji’s supporters and the people of Enugu State to remain calm while the judicial process continues, expressing confidence in the Nigerian judiciary.
Beyond the court case, the statement outlined what the team described as Nnaji’s vision for Enugu State under the theme “Recover, Rebuild and Industrialise.” The proposed agenda includes economic recovery, improved security, industrial development, job creation and support for people whose shops were demolished or whose lands were allegedly taken without proper compensation.
The defence said the proposed measures were intended to strengthen the state’s economy and create more opportunities for young people.
It concluded that the allegations should be determined by the court based on the evidence and applicable law, rather than treated as settled conclusions in public reporting.
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