Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Enugu State, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has declared that he is ready to answer any criminal charge that may be brought against him, insisting that he has nothing to hide and remains committed to the rule of law.
Speaking through his spokesman, Dr. Robert Ngwu, Nnaji said reports portraying him as a fugitive or suggesting that he had already been found guilty over allegations relating to his academic records were misleading and did not reflect the true legal position.
He maintained that neither he nor his lawyers had been formally served with any criminal charge or notice of arraignment as of the time the statement was issued, adding that he would appear before the court immediately he is lawfully required to do so.
According to the statement, the former minister has never shied away from judicial scrutiny and remains convinced that the courts—not public opinion or newspaper headlines—are the proper place to determine the issues.
The legal team also clarified that the main case concerning Nnaji’s academic records is a civil action that he personally filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja to seek judicial clarification and obtain his official university transcript.
The matter, the lawyers said, was recently adjourned until October after efforts by the parties to resolve the dispute out of court failed.
On reports linking him to criminal proceedings instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), the legal team said the public should understand that the filing of charges or an arraignment does not amount to guilt.
“It is only after the prosecution has presented its evidence, the defence has been heard and the court has delivered judgment that criminal responsibility can be established,” the statement noted.
The lawyers also revisited the controversy surrounding the earlier arrest warrant obtained by the anti-graft agency, explaining that the order was sought on allegations that Nnaji failed to honour invitations and could not be located.
They insisted those allegations were false, arguing that the former minister remained publicly visible throughout the period, attending political meetings, consulting with stakeholders, receiving visitors and participating in campaign activities as one of the leading opposition figures in Enugu State.
According to the statement, it was therefore difficult to reconcile claims that he was “in hiding” with his regular public appearances and political engagements.
The legal team disclosed that the ex parte order had already been challenged before the Court of Appeal through an appeal and an application for stay of execution, adding that the appellate court would determine the legality of the order.
Reaffirming his confidence in the judiciary, Nnaji said he voluntarily left public office to concentrate on clearing his name through lawful means because he believes that integrity and reputation should be defended in court rather than through media exchanges.
He appealed to Nigerians to allow the judicial process to run its course and to distinguish between allegations and proven facts, emphasizing that every citizen remains innocent until a competent court decides otherwise.
The statement ended with an expression of confidence that the truth would ultimately prevail through due process and the rule of law.
