Fresh Twist: Former Tinubu Minister Rejects ICPC Claims, Insists ‘I’m Not On The Run

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Enugu State, Uche Nnaji, has dismissed reports surrounding ongoing legal proceedings over his academic records, insisting that the issues remain before the courts and should not be decided through public speculation.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

In a statement issued on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Robert Ngwu, Nnaji said recent media reports had created a misleading impression by conflating civil proceedings, criminal investigations and procedural court actions.

He maintained that the dispute concerning his academic credentials is still pending before the courts and cautioned against treating allegations as established facts.

According to the statement, Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025, currently before the Federal High Court in Abuja, is a civil action filed by Nnaji to obtain clarification regarding his academic records and secure his official university transcript.

The former minister stressed that he is not standing trial as an accused person in that suit and has not been charged with any offence in the civil proceedings.

He added that the matter was adjourned until October 20, 2026, after efforts by the parties to resolve the dispute through an out-of-court settlement proved unsuccessful.

Nnaji further stated that the proceedings are purely civil in nature and should not be interpreted as a criminal trial or a determination of guilt.

Responding to reports that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had filed criminal charges against him, the former minister said he had not been formally served with any charge, hearing notice or arraignment notice.

He nevertheless affirmed his readiness to defend himself in court should the anti-graft agency formally institute criminal proceedings in accordance with the law.

The statement emphasised that the filing of criminal charges does not amount to a conviction and that criminal liability can only be established after a full trial in which both the prosecution and defence are given the opportunity to present their cases.

Nnaji also rejected claims that he ignored invitations from the ICPC or attempted to evade law enforcement authorities, insisting that he remains accessible and continues to participate openly in political and public engagements.

According to him, suggestions that he is in hiding are inconsistent with his continued public appearances.

On reports that the ICPC obtained an arrest warrant against him, Nnaji argued that the order was a procedural step intended to secure his appearance and should not be construed as proof of guilt or a judicial finding that he committed any offence.

He disclosed that his legal team, led by Wole Olanipekun, has challenged the warrant before the Court of Appeal, where the matter is currently pending.

The former minister also said he voluntarily resigned from office to focus on clearing his name through the legal process.

Expressing confidence in the judiciary, Nnaji urged the public and media organisations to distinguish between allegations and proven facts, as well as between civil proceedings, criminal charges, arraignment and conviction.

He reiterated that every Nigerian is constitutionally entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction after a fair hearing.