CSOs threaten protest against ICPC over Nnaji, Nigeria’s former minister

A coalition of civil society organisations (CSOs) has alleged political witch-hunting of Uche Nnaji, Nigeria’s former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who resigned from office over a case of certificate forgery, threatening to stage a protest against the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over his arrest and continued detention.

Addressing a press conference on Friday, the coalition alleged that the case was being used to frustrate Nnaji’s political ambition ahead of the 2027 Enugu State governorship election.

The group, led by Kennedy Iyere, alleged that the Enugu State Government, the ICPC, and management of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), were part of the campaign against the former minister. The coalition, however, did not present documentary evidence to support the allegations.

The CSOs maintained that the certificate forgery case remains before the court and argued that public comments capable of influencing the proceedings should be avoided. They accused the ICPC of prejudging the matter and described Nnaji’s continued detention as unlawful and a violation of his right to fair hearing.

The coalition demanded Nnaji’s immediate release and warned that it would mobilise nationwide protests if he was not freed by the close of business on Friday. It also alleged that the detention was intended to intimidate him into abandoning his governorship ambition.

In addition, the group announced plans to institute legal action against the ICPC chairman for alleged professional misconduct, called for an investigation into his conduct, and demanded his resignation, warning that protests would continue until their demands were met.