The camp of former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology and former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Enugu State, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law, urging the public to distinguish between ongoing civil proceedings, reported criminal charges and media narratives surrounding his legal matters.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by his spokesperson, Dr. Robert Ngwu, Nnaji’s camp said recent media reports had generated public misunderstanding by conflating separate legal proceedings and presenting incomplete accounts of matters currently before the courts.

According to the statement, the purpose of the clarification was not to litigate the issues in the media but to explain the legal position, place the facts in their proper context and reaffirm Nnaji’s confidence in the judicial process.

The statement explained that the principal matter concerning Nnaji’s academic records is a civil suit pending before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

It said the suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1909/2025, was instituted by Nnaji to seek judicial clarification regarding his academic records and the release of his official university transcript, which he believes will confirm his graduation status.

According to the statement, Nnaji is the claimant in the matter and has neither been charged with any offence nor arraigned as a criminal defendant in relation to the civil proceedings.

It added that when the case came before Justice Hauwa Joseph Yilwa on April 20, 2026, counsel informed the court that parties were exploring an amicable resolution, prompting the court to adjourn the matter for a report on settlement.

However, at the resumed sitting on July 8, 2026, the court was informed that settlement efforts had failed. The matter was subsequently adjourned until October 20, 2026, for a definite hearing.

The statement stressed that the proceedings remain purely civil and should not be portrayed as a criminal trial.

Addressing reports that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had filed criminal charges against Nnaji, the statement said neither the former minister nor his legal team had, as of the time of its release, been formally served with any charge, hearing notice or notice of arraignment.

It stated that once proper service is effected, Nnaji would appear before the court and exercise his constitutional right to defend himself.

While maintaining his innocence, the statement noted that the filing of criminal charges or an arraignment does not amount to a conviction, emphasising that guilt can only be established after a full trial in which both the prosecution and defence are heard.

The statement also revisited the ex parte arrest warrant earlier obtained by the ICPC, saying the order was granted following the Commission’s allegation that Nnaji failed to honour invitations and was likely to abscond.

According to the statement, Nnaji disputes those allegations, insisting that no invitation was personally served on him at his known residential addresses in Abuja and Enugu or through his recognised email address.

It further maintained that he never went into hiding, stating that he remained active in public life by attending political meetings, consulting stakeholders, receiving visitors and granting media interviews during the period in question.

The statement described reports suggesting that he was evading law enforcement agencies as inconsistent with the facts.

It added that Nnaji’s legal team, led by Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, had challenged the ex parte order before the Court of Appeal by filing both an appeal and an application for stay of execution, with the matter still pending.

According to the statement, an arrest warrant issued to compel attendance should not be interpreted as a finding of guilt, arguing that criminal responsibility can only be determined after a full hearing before a court of competent jurisdiction.

It further accused some media organisations of failing to distinguish between procedural court orders and judicial findings, thereby creating what it described as the erroneous impression that the issuance of an arrest warrant amounted to proof of forgery.

Reaffirming Nnaji’s commitment to due process, the statement said the former minister had never absconded from any lawful judicial process and remained confident that all issues raised against him would be resolved through evidence presented before the courts.

It also noted that Nnaji voluntarily resigned from office as minister to focus on clearing his name through the judicial process.

The statement urged the media and members of the public to distinguish between civil and criminal proceedings, allegations and proven facts, arraignment and conviction, as well as media reports and judicial findings.

It concluded by reiterating that every Nigerian is entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction, expressing confidence that “the truth will prevail”.