Arrest Not Proof of Guilt, Ex-minister Nnaji Dismisses Academic Records Reports

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology and Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in Enugu State, Uche Nnaji, has dismissed recent reports concerning legal proceedings over his academic records.

Nnaji insisted that the issues remain before the courts and should not be decided through public commentary.

Nnaji, in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Robert Ngwu, on Wednesday, said recent media reports had created misconceptions by mixing up civil proceedings, alleged criminal investigations and procedural court actions.

He maintained that the ongoing case involving his academic records, Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025, was a civil matter initiated by him at the Federal High Court, Abuja, to seek clarification and obtain his official university transcript.

According to the statement, Nnaji was neither charged with any offence nor appeared before the court as an accused person.

The statement said the matter was adjourned to October 20, 2026, after attempts by parties to resolve the dispute out of court failed.

It added that the proceedings were not a criminal trial and did not amount to a determination of guilt.

On reports that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission had filed criminal charges against him, Nnaji said he had not been formally served with any charge, hearing notice or arraignment notice.

The statement said he would defend himself fully if any charges were brought before him in accordance with the law.

“Filing a criminal charge does not amount to a finding of guilt, and an arraignment is not a conviction,” the statement noted, adding that guilt could only be established after a full trial where both parties had the opportunity to present their cases.

Nnaji also denied allegations that he avoided invitations from the ICPC or attempted to evade law enforcement.

The statement said the former minister remained accessible and continued to participate openly in political and public activities, arguing that claims that he was in hiding were inconsistent with his public engagements.

On the arrest warrant reportedly obtained by the ICPC, Nnaji said the order was merely a procedural step aimed at securing his appearance before the commission and did not represent a conviction or judicial finding that he committed any offence.

His legal team, led by Chief Wole Olanipekun, has challenged the order at the Court of Appeal, where the matter remains pending.

The former minister further stated that he voluntarily resigned from his position to focus on clearing his name through legal means, adding that he remained confident in the judiciary.

He urged the public and media organisations to distinguish between allegations and proven facts, civil and criminal proceedings, as well as arraignment and conviction.

“Every Nigerian is constitutionally entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction after a fair hearing,” the statement added.

Nnaji insisted that the truth would ultimately emerge through due process and judicial determination rather than speculation or media narratives.