Ex-minister, Uche Nnaji not hiding, never received arrest warrant — Aide

From Jude Chinedu, Enugu

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has denied claims suggesting that he is evading arrest over an alleged court order, insisting that he remains accessible and has not received any summons or warrant from any anti-graft agency.

Reacting to the controversy in a statement issued on Friday, spokesperson to the former minister, Dr Robert Ngwu, described the reports making the rounds as misleading and part of a sustained campaign aimed at tarnishing Nnaji’s image and creating false impressions before the public.

Ngwu said there was no truth whatsoever in claims that the former minister was in hiding, stressing that Nnaji had remained at his known residences both in Abuja and Enugu, locations that have been publicly known for decades.

“Our attention has been drawn to yet another publication alleging that a court has ordered the arrest of former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji. We wish to state unequivocally that Chief Nnaji is not in hiding and has never evaded any law enforcement agency.

“As a former Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, his residence in Asokoro, Abuja, where he has lived for nearly two decades, is well known to public authorities. His residence in Independence Layout, Enugu, has likewise been publicly known since 1990. It is this long-standing visibility, accessibility, and connection to the people that earned him the name ‘Nwakaibie,’” the statement said.

The spokesperson further maintained that neither Nnaji nor his lawyers, led by senior advocate Chief Wole Olanipekun, had received any official communication from the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC) regarding any invitation or arrest process.

“We wish to make it abundantly clear that neither Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji nor his legal team has received any invitation, summons, warrant, or correspondence whatsoever from the ICPC. No such process has been served at his Abuja or Enugu residences, both of which have been publicly known for decades,” he added.

The statement also pointed to an ongoing legal matter before the Federal High Court, explaining that contrary to public perception, Nnaji himself initiated the suit in a bid to clear his name over questions surrounding his academic records.

“It is equally important to remind the public that Chief Nnaji is already before the Federal High Court in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025, a case he personally filed to clear his name and obtain judicial determination of issues relating to his academic records.

“Central to that case is his request for the release of his official academic transcript, a document every graduate is ordinarily entitled to obtain from his or her university. Contrary to the narrative being promoted in some quarters, Chief Nnaji was not dragged before the courts. He voluntarily approached the judiciary as the Applicant, seeking the preservation and release of his transcript and relevant records. That matter remains pending and has not been judicially determined,” Ngwu stated.

The former minister’s camp also raised concerns over what it described as persistent pressure and unusual public scrutiny directed at him over several months, linking the development to political interests surrounding his future ambitions.

“The latest report must be viewed within the context of a prolonged and extraordinary focus on Chief Nnaji. Since October 2025, there has been sustained attention on issues concerning his resignation, legal matters, political activities and governorship aspirations.

“We are also not unaware of the political environment in which these events are unfolding. No amount of media pressure, political intimidation, or orchestrated misinformation will deter, derail or discourage Chief Uche Nnaji or make him bow to trial by media, which appears to be the whole purpose of the sensationalisation of issues concerning him,” the statement read.

Reaffirming Nnaji’s confidence in the judicial process, Ngwu urged members of the public to disregard speculation and allow the courts to determine the facts.

“Chief Nnaji remains committed to due process, transparency and the rule of law. He remains confident that facts, not sensational headlines, will ultimately prevail. As our people say, ‘Ezi Okwu Ga-Apụta Ife’ — the truth will always come to light.

“We therefore urge the public to remain calm, await verified facts and allow the courts, not sponsored narratives or misinformation, to determine the truth,” he said.