Uche Nnaji certificate forgery — A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has ordered the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to arrest former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, over allegations of certificate forgery.
The court granted the order following an ex parte application filed by the ICPC after the former minister reportedly failed to honour several invitations issued by the anti-graft agency in connection with an ongoing investigation.
According to court documents, the case stems from allegations that Nnaji submitted forged academic credentials, including a purported degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate during his ministerial screening and confirmation process in 2023. 1
In its application before the court, the ICPC argued that repeated efforts to secure Nnaji’s appearance for questioning had failed. Consequently, the commission sought legal authority to declare him wanted and obtain a warrant for his arrest.
Delivering its ruling, the Federal High Court authorized the ICPC to declare the former minister wanted through newspapers, social media platforms, and other communication channels. The court also issued a bench warrant empowering ICPC operatives, other law enforcement agencies, and relevant authorities to arrest and hand him over to the commission for further investigation.
The court further ruled that the arrest warrant would remain valid until Nnaji is apprehended and presented before investigators.
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“The commission is authorized to declare the defendant wanted and to take all lawful steps necessary to secure his arrest and appearance for investigation,” the court ruling stated.
The latest development follows months of controversy surrounding Nnaji’s academic records. Earlier investigations had raised questions about the authenticity of certificates allegedly submitted by the former minister during his nomination and confirmation process.
Furthermore, reports indicate that the ICPC had already launched a manhunt for the former minister after he allegedly failed to respond to official invitations relating to the forgery allegations.
The anti-corruption agency is expected to arraign Nnaji on relevant charges once he is arrested and investigations are concluded. Meanwhile, legal observers say the case could become one of the most high-profile forgery prosecutions involving a former cabinet member in recent years.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Uche Nnaji nor his legal representatives had publicly reacted to the court’s decision.
Uche Nnaji certificate forgery — SOJ WORLDWIDE will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as they unfold.
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