Ex-Minister Uche Nnaji Reaffirms Commitment to Rule of Law, Calls for Respect for Judicial Process

The camp of former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Enugu State, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law, emphasizing that all legal matters involving him should be addressed through the judicial process rather than through media speculation.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Dr. Robert Ngwu, the former minister's camp expressed concern over recent media reports, stating that separate legal proceedings had been inaccurately merged, creating public misunderstanding about the nature of the cases before the courts.

According to the statement, the primary matter concerning Nnaji's academic records is a civil suit pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja, filed by Nnaji himself to obtain judicial clarification regarding his academic records and the release of his official university transcript. The statement stressed that the case is purely civil in nature and that Nnaji has neither been charged with any offence nor arraigned as a criminal defendant in that proceeding.

It further disclosed that when the matter came before the court on July 8, 2026, parties informed the court that earlier settlement discussions had failed, prompting an adjournment until October 20, 2026, for a definite hearing.

Addressing reports of criminal charges allegedly filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the statement noted that neither Nnaji nor his legal team had been formally served with any charge, hearing notice, or notice of arraignment as of the time the statement was issued. It added that once due process is followed and proper service is effected, the former minister will appear before the court and defend himself in accordance with the law.

The statement reiterated that the filing of criminal charges or the issuance of an arrest warrant should not be interpreted as proof of guilt, stressing that criminal liability can only be established after a full trial before a competent court where both prosecution and defence are given a fair hearing.

Nnaji's camp also disputed claims that he evaded law enforcement authorities, insisting that no invitation was personally served on him at his known addresses or through his recognized communication channels. It maintained that throughout the period in question, the former minister remained publicly active, attending political engagements, consulting stakeholders, granting media interviews, and receiving visitors.

The statement further disclosed that Nnaji's legal team, led by Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, has challenged the earlier ex parte arrest warrant before the Court of Appeal through an appeal and an application for a stay of execution, with the matter still pending.

While expressing confidence in the Nigerian judiciary, the statement urged media organizations and members of the public to distinguish between civil and criminal proceedings, allegations and established facts, procedural court orders and final judicial decisions. It also reaffirmed the constitutional principle that every Nigerian is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.

The former minister's camp concluded by reiterating Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji's unwavering commitment to due process, respect for the rule of law, and confidence that all issues surrounding the matter will ultimately be resolved through the courts in accordance with the Constitution.