Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has denied claims that he is evading arrest, calling reports of a court-ordered manhunt false and misleading. In a statement issued Monday by his spokesperson, Dr. Robert Ngwu, Nnaji's team said he has not been served with any warrant, summons, or correspondence from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The statement emphasized that Nnaji remains accessible, residing at his Asokoro home in Abuja, where he has lived for nearly two decades, and that his Enugu residence has been publicly known since 1990.
The statement dismissed a Premium Times report alleging Nnaji was avoiding authorities, insisting he has not hidden from law enforcement. It noted that neither Nnaji nor his legal team, led by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), has received any formal communication from ICPC. The former minister's camp also pointed to an ongoing Federal High Court case, Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025, which Nnaji initiated as the Applicant and Plaintiff. The suit seeks judicial clarification on issues related to his academic records and the release of his academic transcript. The case is pending and has not been determined.
Ngwu accused Premium Times of sustained negative coverage since October 2025, including reports on Nnaji's resignation, legal matters, political activities, and governorship aspirations. He claimed prior responses to media inquiries about the alleged ICPC manhunt were ignored or misrepresented. The statement reaffirmed Nnaji's commitment to due process, citing the Igbo proverb, "Ezi Okwu Ga-Apụta ife," meaning the truth will always come to light. It attributed the reports to political pressure and misinformation, urging the public to await court outcomes rather than media narratives.
Chief Uche Nnaji denies evading authorities while simultaneously filing a court case to clear his academic record, raising questions about the timing of his public rebuttal. His spokesperson claims no contact from ICPC, yet frames the media report as part of a political smear tied to his governorship aspirations. The court case he initiated remains undetermined, even as he asserts full transparency. This places his public defence ahead of judicial resolution.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion, not established fact. Full disclaimer →
