Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has given the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) until 10 a.m. on Monday to either release former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, or publicly justify his continued detention.

The rights group alleged that the former minister’s arrest and detention bore the hallmarks of a politically motivated prosecution, warning the anti-graft agency against actions that could undermine public confidence in its independence.

In a statement issued on Sunday and signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA argued that the circumstances surrounding the case had raised constitutional, legal and political concerns, particularly as issues relating to Nnaji’s academic records are already before a competent court.

According to the group, Nnaji had approached the Federal High Court seeking an order compelling the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), to release his academic transcript, insisting that the ICPC ought to have exercised restraint while the matter remains before the court.

“Once a matter is before the court, every law enforcement agency ought to exercise restraint and allow the judicial process to run its course instead of creating the impression that guilt has already been predetermined,” the statement said.

HURIWA further contended that the timing of the anti-corruption agency’s action had fuelled public suspicion because of political developments in Enugu State ahead of the 2027 governorship election.

It noted that Nnaji was among the founding members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Enugu State before political developments reportedly pushed him out of the party, adding that his alignment with the opposition had increased his political profile.

“It is therefore difficult to separate the timing of the ICPC’s actions from the unfolding political realignments in Enugu State ahead of the 2027 governorship election,” the group stated.

The association also expressed concern over what it described as allegations of political relationships involving individuals connected with the controversy surrounding the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, saying although such issues had not been determined by any court, they underscored the need for transparency and institutional neutrality.

It argued that the ICPC must not only act lawfully but must also be seen to be free from political influence.

HURIWA also claimed there was growing public perception that the commission was increasingly being deployed against opposition figures at both the federal and state levels.

According to the group, regardless of whether such perceptions are accurate, the ICPC owes Nigerians a duty to demonstrate through its actions that its investigations and prosecutions are guided solely by evidence, due process and the Constitution rather than partisan considerations.

The rights organisation questioned what it described as the commission’s apparent selective approach to politically sensitive cases.

“Why has the Commission suddenly become extraordinarily proactive in matters involving politicians who have either left the ruling party or are perceived as political threats? These are legitimate questions in a constitutional democracy and deserve credible answers rather than silence,” the statement added.

HURIWA warned that the credibility of any anti-corruption agency depends on public confidence, stressing that allegations or perceptions of selective prosecution could erode the trust the commission has built over the years.

The group therefore demanded Nnaji’s immediate release from ICPC custody pending the determination of the issues already before the court, urging the commission to avoid actions capable of creating the impression that it was being used to shape the political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections.

It also called on the Attorney-General of the Federation, the National Assembly, the Nigerian Bar Association, civil society organisations and the international democratic community to closely monitor the matter to ensure that the rule of law is upheld.

HURIWA warned that failure by the commission to either release the former minister or provide a clear legal basis for his continued detention by the Monday deadline would deepen public suspicion that the agency was allowing itself to be drawn into the country’s pre-2027 political contest.