A group identified as the Concerned Friends and Business Associates of Engr. Dr. Michael Ayuba Auta, FNSE, has defended the businessman and philanthropist over reports relating to an ongoing court case, urging the public and the media to respect the judicial process.
In a press statement signed by Engr. Xerxes Nwabuchu, PhD, MNSE, the group said recent media publications concerning Auta’s case should not be interpreted as proof of guilt, stressing that the matter remains before a court of competent jurisdiction.
The group emphasized that under the Nigerian Constitution, every citizen is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law, warning against what it described as “trial by media,” character assassination, and prejudicial reporting.
According to the statement, allegations, investigations, court filings, arraignments, and convictions are distinct legal processes and should not be treated as the same.
The group also highlighted Auta’s contributions to society, describing him as a businessman whose investments in education, healthcare, youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, community development, and humanitarian activities have positively impacted many lives over the years.
It argued that Auta’s reputation had been built through years of hard work, integrity, and philanthropy, adding that his record of service should not be overshadowed by allegations that are yet to be determined by the courts.
The statement further urged political opponents, supporters, business associates, and members of the public to allow the judiciary to determine the outcome of the case, while cautioning against the spread of unverified information and what it described as false narratives intended to damage Auta’s reputation.
The group maintained that Auta has confidence in Nigeria’s judicial system and remains committed to cooperating with all lawful legal processes while continuing his humanitarian and business activities.
It also called on journalists, bloggers, and digital content publishers to uphold the principles of responsible journalism by verifying facts, ensuring balanced reporting, and avoiding publications that could prejudice ongoing legal proceedings or expose media organisations to legal consequences.
The statement concluded by urging all stakeholders to uphold the rule of law, respect the integrity of the judicial process, and allow the courts to determine the matter without interference from the court of public opinion.
The statement reads:
“In Defence of Due Process, Justice and the Reputation of Engr. Dr. Michael Ayuba Auta, FNSE
Our attention has been drawn to a publication circulating across various media platforms concerning the ongoing court proceedings involving our good friend and respected business mogul Engr. Dr. Michael Ayuba Auta, FNSE.
While we acknowledge the constitutional role of the media in informing the public, we equally wish to emphasize that journalism carries an obligation to report responsibly, fairly, objectively and without creating the impression that an allegation amounts to guilt or a pending charge amounts to a conviction.
The matter referenced in the publication is presently before a court of competent jurisdiction. Consequently, it remains sub judice, and every Nigerian, including Engr. Auta, is constitutionally entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty through a final judicial determination by a court of competent jurisdiction.
The distinction between an allegation, an accusation, an investigation, an information filed before a court, an arraignment and a conviction is fundamental to the administration of justice. They are not synonymous. It would therefore be legally and morally improper for anyone to pronounce guilt outside the judicial process or to engage in trial by media, character assassination or the deliberate manipulation of public opinion through sensational and prejudicial reporting.
For decades, Engr. Auta has earned the respect of thousands through his investments in education, youth empowerment, healthcare, entrepreneurship, community development and numerous humanitarian interventions. His legacy has been built over many years of hard work, sacrifice, enterprise, integrity and firm commitment to improving lives.
Those who have benefited from his generosity understand that character is measured not by untested allegations but by a lifetime of demonstrated service to humanity, ethical leadership and responsible corporate citizenship.
Public life naturally attracts scrutiny, criticism and political contestation. However, no democratic society should encourage the weaponization of allegations, media sensationalism or the erosion of the constitutional right to fair hearing. The rule of law demands that justice be administered in the courtroom and not on social media timelines, newspaper headlines or politically motivated propaganda platforms.
We therefore urge members of the public, political opponents, supporters, business associates and the media to allow the judicial process to determine who is right or wrong and stop the the cheap blackmail of telling fake stories. Justice is never served by speculation, selective reporting, sensational headlines or public prejudice. It is served through credible evidence, due process and the impartial judgment of the courts.
This great man has absolute confidence in the Nigerian judicial system and remains fully committed to cooperating with every lawful process. He remains undeterred in his lifelong commitment to humanitarian service, private sector investment, wealth creation, economic development and the advancement of society.
History has consistently shown that truth ultimately prevails over conjecture and justice prevails over prejudice. We therefore call on those who seek to exploit unverified allegations as instruments of political propaganda, reputational damage or commercial sabotage to desist forthwith. No individual or group should seek to destroy decades of hard-earned goodwill, business credibility, political aspirations or philanthropic accomplishments through misinformation, calculated falsehoods or orchestrated smear campaigns.
For nearly two decades, Engr. Dr. Michael Ayuba Auta has painstakingly built reputable business networks across Nigeria and beyond through diligence, innovation, professionalism and integrity. He has consistently deployed his God-given resources toward empowering countless individuals, supporting communities and creating opportunities for others. His record of philanthropy and Nation-building speaks for itself and cannot be diminished by orchestrated campaigns designed to secure political advantage or commercial relevance.
We equally remind media practitioners, bloggers, digital content publishers and every willing courier of unverified or malicious narratives that the constitutional guarantee of freedom of expression does not extinguish the corresponding legal duty to exercise due diligence, verify facts, ensure balanced reportage and avoid publications capable of exposing them to civil or other legal consequences where falsehood, reckless disregard for the truth or reputational injury is established. Responsible journalism strengthens democracy; irresponsible publication undermines public confidence in both the media and the justice system.
We therefore urge every stakeholder to uphold the rule of law, respect the integrity of the judicial process and refrain from actions capable of prejudicing proceedings or unfairly tarnishing the reputation of any individual.
The rule of law not the court of public opinion must remain the cornerstone of justice.“
KADUNA POLITICAL AFFAIRS
