The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has initiated a search for former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, in connection with his certificate forgery scandal. The anti-graft agency has been investigating Mr. Nnaji's alleged forgery, and insiders previously indicated that prosecution would follow if evidence confirmed the forgery.
The investigation stems from a two-year probe by PREMIUM TIMES, published in October last year, which revealed that Mr. Nnaji submitted forged University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Senate during his ministerial confirmation in 2023.
ICPC Advances Investigation
A source familiar with the matter disclosed that the ICPC has escalated its investigation into the forgery scandal. The manhunt was triggered by Mr. Nnaji's repeated failure to respond to invitations from the commission. An insider, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the UNN management has already responded to the ICPC's inquiries, and the former minister has been summoned multiple times for interrogation via WhatsApp, email, and phone, but has not appeared.
“The ICPC is searching for him everywhere to potentially arrest him. If he cannot be located, he will likely be declared wanted,” the source told PREMIUM TIMES.
Immunity Strategy
Another source suggested that Mr. Nnaji's refusal to cooperate is part of a strategy to evade prosecution, hoping to gain immunity if he wins the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State. PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported that Mr. Nnaji quietly defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under which he unsuccessfully contested the 2023 governorship election. In late May, he emerged as the governorship candidate of the Nyesom Wike-backed PDP faction for the 2027 election.
This newspaper exclusively reported that Mr. Nnaji's desperation to become governor is partly driven by the desire for immunity from prosecution.
Lack of Response
Robert Ngwu, Mr. Nnaji's Special Adviser on Media, did not respond to multiple calls from PREMIUM TIMES seeking comment since Monday. Ngwu read an enquiry forwarded via WhatsApp but had not replied as of Tuesday morning.
Background of the Scandal
In October 2023, PREMIUM TIMES began investigating Mr. Nnaji's academic records after he submitted allegedly forged UNN and NYSC certificates to the President and Senate. He claimed to have graduated from UNN in 1985. Disturbed by the scrutiny, Mr. Nnaji filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja to block UNN and its Vice-Chancellor from releasing his records. However, before an injunction could be obtained, the Vice-Chancellor responded to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request, confirming the forgery. The UNN registrar later corroborated that Mr. Nnaji was admitted in 1981 but neither graduated nor received a certificate.
Similarly, the NYSC disowned the discharge certificate he possessed. Mr. Nnaji resigned as minister three days after the investigation was published. Many Nigerians called for his prosecution, arguing that resignation was insufficient. In March, an investigative panel set up by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, also confirmed the forgery.
Earlier this year, legal practitioner Liborous Oshoma criticized the government for failing to prosecute Mr. Nnaji, stating that such individuals should be prosecuted and banned from holding public office as a deterrent.
