Ex-Minister Uche Nnaji Appears in Court Over Alleged Certificate Forgery

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, on Monday appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations that he submitted forged academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates during his ministerial screening in 2023.

The case, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, marks the latest development in a controversy that culminated in Nnaji's resignation from President Bola Tinubu's cabinet last year.

Nnaji, who served as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology from August 16, 2023, until October 7, 2025, is being prosecuted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) degree certificate and NYSC discharge certificate he presented during his ministerial confirmation were forged.

The allegations gained national attention following a two-year investigation by Premium Times, which questioned the authenticity of the former minister's academic credentials.

According to the report, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka disowned the Bachelor of Science certificate Nnaji claimed to have obtained from the institution, stating that it had no record showing he graduated in July 1985 as indicated on the certificate.

In a letter dated October 2, 2025, the university reportedly confirmed that although Nnaji was admitted into the institution in 1981, there was no record that he completed his studies or graduated.

The investigation also alleged that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) did not recognise the discharge certificate in his possession.

Three days after the report was published, Nnaji resigned as minister.

Reacting to the allegations at the time, he described them as "politically motivated" and maintained that his resignation should not be interpreted as an admission of wrongdoing.

"My resignation is not an admission of guilt, but rather a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process," he said.

On June 11, 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja granted an ex parte application filed by the ICPC in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026, authorising the anti-corruption agency to arrest the former minister for prosecution.

Following the court order, Nnaji was arrested by security operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after arriving on a chartered flight from Enugu State.

He was subsequently handed over to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja for questioning.

The commission said it sought the court's intervention after repeated invitations sent to the former minister through his known residential addresses and email were allegedly ignored.

Nnaji arrived at the Federal High Court on Monday morning ahead of the commencement of proceedings.

Dressed in a white traditional outfit with a red cap, he acknowledged supporters and sympathisers gathered at the court premises by raising his right hand as he walked into the courtroom.

The proceedings relate to allegations that he presented forged UNN degree and NYSC discharge certificates to the Senate during the screening that preceded his confirmation as minister in 2023.

The court is expected to continue hearing the matter as the prosecution presents its case.

Despite the criminal proceedings, Nnaji has remained active in partisan politics.

Following his resignation from office, he defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

He later secured the PDP governorship ticket for the 2027 Enugu State governorship election after polling 7,424 votes during the party's primary election.

The ICPC is expected to continue prosecuting the case as the court determines whether the allegations against the former minister can be substantiated.