Free Uche Nnaji Now Or Prove Arrest Isn’t Political Prosecution, HURIWA Urges FG, ICPC

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The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has said it is deeply disturbed by what increasingly appears to be the politically tainted arrest and continued detention of former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
A press statement signed by Comrade Emmanuel Nnadozie Onwubiko, National Coordinator of HURIWA, said from every objective standpoint, the circumstances surrounding the case raise profound constitutional, legal and political questions that Nigerians cannot afford to ignore.

It said the dispute over Chief Nnaji’s academic records is already before a competent court of law.

“He had approached the Federal High Court seeking an order compelling the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) to release his academic transcript,” HURIWA said.

“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.”

It continued; “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.

“Chief Uche Nnaji was one of the founding pillars of the APC in Enugu State before political developments effectively pushed him out of the party. Having now aligned with the opposition, his rising political profile has inevitably placed him among those expected to shape the contest for the Enugu governorship. Against this backdrop, his arrest and continued detention naturally invite public scrutiny and legitimate questions about whether criminal law is being deployed as a tool in a political contest.”

HURIWA said it is particularly concerned by allegations of political relationships involving key actors connected to the controversy surrounding the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, noting that while these issues remained matters of public debate and hadn’t been judicially determined, they reinforce the urgent need for complete transparency and scrupulous institutional neutrality.

It said “The ICPC must understand that justice is not only about acting lawfully; it must also be seen to be free from political influence.

“Equally troubling is the growing public perception that the ICPC is increasingly being deployed against prominent opposition figures at both the federal and state levels. Whether that perception is accurate or not, the Commission owes Nigerians a duty to demonstrate, through its actions, that it is guided solely by evidence, due process and the Constitution rather than partisan considerations.

“It is impossible to ignore the obvious public questions being asked. Why was the Commission not similarly activated whenever politically exposed persons within the ruling establishment faced allegations requiring legal scrutiny?

“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.

“An anti-corruption agency derives its legitimacy from public confidence. Once citizens begin to perceive selective prosecution or political bias, the credibility painstakingly built over the years is severely diminished.

“HURIWA therefore demands the immediate release of Chief Uche Nnaji from ICPC custody pending the determination of the issues already before the courts. The Commission should refrain from any action capable of creating the impression that it is being used to influence the political landscape ahead of the 2027 elections.

“We also call 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 this matter in order to ensure that the rule of law is not sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.

“The ICPC was established to fight corruption without fear or favour—not to become an instrument for settling political scores or intimidating perceived opponents of those in power. It must jealously guard its institutional independence and avoid actions capable of undermining public trust.
“HURIWA hereby gives the ICPC until 10:00 a.m. tomorrow to release Chief Uche Nnaji or provide a clear legal justification for his continued detention that is demonstrably unrelated to partisan political considerations. Failure to do so will only deepen public suspicion that the Commission is permitting itself to be drawn into Nigeria’s increasingly heated pre-2027 political contest.”