By Peter Omopo
The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) Worldwide has cautioned the media and the public against what it described as a “trial by media” in the ongoing legal proceedings involving a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Mike Agbedor Ozekhome.
In a statement signed by its National Spokesperson, Bedford Berefa Benjamin, the IYC expressed concern over what it termed sensational and selective reportage of the case, warning that such narratives could amount to reputational damage and undermine the rule of law.
The council stressed that Ozekhome, a professor of law and noted human rights advocate, is presumed innocent under Nigerian and international law until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
“Presumption of innocence is not optional. Attempts to pronounce guilt through media headlines, leaked proofs of evidence and selective interpretation of court documents are unacceptable and dangerous to the rule of law,” the statement said.
The IYC noted that the filing of charges does not constitute a conviction, adding that the matter remains at the allegation stage and is subject to judicial determination. It also raised concern over what it described as the selective publicisation of prosecution materials while allegedly downplaying the defendant’s explanations and legal defences.
According to the group, documents and correspondence cited in media reports, including those from government agencies, remain subject to cross-examination and judicial scrutiny and should not be presented as established facts.
Describing Ozekhome as a global legal figure with decades of service to democracy, human rights and constitutionalism, the IYC said portraying such a personality through scandal-driven headlines without due process was unfair and injurious to the legal profession.
“The Ijaw Youth Council Worldwide will not stand by while one of Nigeria’s prominent legal minds from the Niger Delta is subjected to media lynching, character assassination and pre-judgment,” the statement added.
The council called on Nigerians and the international community to allow the courts to determine the case without pressure or prejudice, reiterating its support for due process and the presumption of innocence.
“Our position is clear: no to media trial; yes to due process; yes to presumption of innocence; and yes to the protection of legitimate reputations,” the statement concluded.
