The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a warrant of arrest against former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, following an application by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of certificate forgery.
Court Ruling on Ex Parte Motion
Justice Obiora Egwuatu delivered the ruling on Thursday, June 12, 2026, granting the ICPC's ex parte motion in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026. The court authorized the commission to declare Nnaji wanted in national newspapers, social media platforms, or other media outlets. Additionally, the court ordered that a bench warrant be issued, directing ICPC operatives, other enforcement agents, and even private citizens to identify, arrest, and hand over the former minister to the commission for investigation. The warrant remains in effect until Nnaji is arrested.
ICPC's Application
The ICPC, through its lawyer Osuobeni Akponimisingha, filed the ex parte motion on June 4, 2026, after Nnaji failed to respond to multiple invitations for questioning regarding the certificate forgery allegations. The commission sought the court's permission to declare him wanted and to issue an arrest warrant. The ICPC also requested any other orders the court deemed fit.
Background of the Forgery Scandal
The case stems from an investigation by Premium Times published in October 2023, which revealed that Nnaji submitted forged certificates from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Senate during his ministerial confirmation in 2023. Nnaji claimed to have graduated from UNN in 1985 with a degree, but the university's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon Ortuanya, confirmed in a Freedom of Information response that Nnaji was admitted in 1981 but never graduated or received any certificate. The NYSC also disowned his discharge certificate.
Following the publication, Nnaji resigned as minister three days later. He later filed a suit to block UNN from releasing his records but recently applied for an out-of-court settlement.
Offenses Under Investigation
The ICPC is investigating Nnaji for alleged forgery, abuse of office, and conferment of unfair advantage while serving as a minister. The commission is expected to arraign him upon arrest. Premium Times reported that the ICPC had launched a manhunt for the former minister last week.
Political Implications
Nnaji recently defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and emerged as the governorship candidate for the Nyesom Wike-backed PDP faction in Enugu State ahead of the 2027 elections. Critics, including lawyer Liborous Oshoma, have called for his prosecution, arguing that his resignation was insufficient and that he should be banned from holding public office. Analysts suggest Nnaji sought the governorship to gain immunity from prosecution.
The court's order marks a significant step in holding the former minister accountable for the alleged certificate forgery, which has sparked widespread calls for justice.
