A group of lawyers has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that justice is served in the case involving former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, urging authorities to allow the law to take its course without interference.
Addressing a press conference in Lagos on Saturday, the group, led by legal practitioner Liborous Oshoma, commended the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for initiating an investigation into allegations involving the former minister.
The lawyers, however, expressed concern over what they described as delays in concluding the investigation and bringing the matter before the courts. They argued that prolonged investigations in high-profile cases could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s anti-corruption efforts.
According to Oshoma, while the ICPC deserves recognition for taking steps to investigate the allegations, the commission should ensure that the process is concluded within a reasonable timeframe and in accordance with the law.
He urged President Tinubu to reaffirm his administration’s commitment to the rule of law by ensuring that anti-corruption agencies are allowed to carry out their constitutional responsibilities independently and without political interference.
The group stressed that public office holders and former officials should be held accountable where credible evidence exists, but also insisted that every suspect is entitled to a fair hearing and the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court.
The lawyers further noted that the credibility of Nigeria’s anti-corruption campaign depends on transparent investigations and timely prosecution of cases, regardless of the status or political affiliation of those involved.
They called on the ICPC and other relevant agencies to continue their work professionally and objectively, saying the outcome of the investigation should be determined by the available evidence and the judicial process.
The appeal comes amid ongoing public interest in allegations involving Nnaji, with the former minister maintaining that he is prepared to defend himself in court and insisting that the judiciary is the appropriate forum to determine the validity of the claims against him.
Neither the Presidency nor the ICPC had publicly responded to the lawyers’ latest appeal as of the time of filing this report.
