Ex-Minister Nnaji Denies Hiding From ICPC

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has denied reports suggesting that a court ordered his arrest, insisting that he is neither in hiding nor evading law enforcement authorities.

Naija News reports that Nnaji’s denial followed a recent publication by Premium Times on an alleged court order linked to an investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

In a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Dr Robert Ngwu, Nnaji’s camp described the report as inaccurate.

The statement said the former minister remained accessible to public authorities and had never avoided any law enforcement agency.

“Chief Nnaji is not in hiding and has never evaded any law enforcement agency,” the statement said.

According to the statement, Nnaji has lived at his Asokoro residence in Abuja for nearly two decades, while his Independence Layout residence in Enugu has been publicly known since 1990.

“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,” the statement noted.

It added that his visibility and accessibility over the years earned him the nickname “Nwakaibie.”

Nnaji’s representatives also said neither the former minister nor his legal team, led by Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), had received any invitation, summons, warrant or correspondence from the ICPC.

“We further 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,” Ngwu stated.

The statement also referred to an ongoing matter before the Federal High Court in Abuja, identified as Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025.

According to Ngwu, Nnaji personally instituted the case to seek judicial clarification on issues relating to his academic records and to obtain the release of his academic transcript.

“Contrary to the narrative being promoted, Chief Nnaji was not dragged before the courts. He voluntarily approached the judiciary as the Applicant and Plaintiff,” the statement said.

The spokesperson added that the case remained pending before the court and had not been determined.

Nnaji’s camp further claimed that the latest publication should be viewed against what it described as a sustained media focus on the former minister.

“Since October 2025, Premium Times has published numerous reports concerning his resignation, legal matters, political activities, and governorship aspirations,” the statement alleged.

Ngwu also claimed that Nnaji’s representatives had previously responded to inquiries about an alleged ICPC “manhunt” and requested evidence to support the claim.

“Yet Premium Times misinformed readers that no response had been received,” the statement asserted.

The former minister’s spokesperson reaffirmed Nnaji’s commitment to due process and the rule of law.

“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,” the statement said.

Ngwu alleged that the controversy should be understood within the prevailing political environment, claiming there were efforts to pressure and discredit the former minister.

“No amount of media pressure, political intimidation, or orchestrated misinformation will deter, derail, or discourage Chief Uche Nnaji,” he stated.

The statement urged members of the public to remain calm and allow the legal process to run its course.

“We therefore urge the public to remain calm, await verified facts, and allow the courts, not media headlines to determine the issues before them,” it added.

The allegations and counterclaims remain matters of public interest, while the relevant proceedings continue before the Federal High Court.