Alleged Certificate Forgery: Lawyers Demand Swift Prosecution of Ex-Minister Uche Nnaji

A coalition of lawyers and public interest analysts is urging the federal government to ensure the swift prosecution of former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, over allegations of certificate forgery. The group insists that Nnaji's resignation should not shield him from criminal liability and called for the recovery of all salaries, allowances, and benefits he allegedly received while in office. They argue that if the allegations are proven, he occupied the ministerial position under false pretenses, presenting forged academic and National Youth Service Corps credentials.

Speaking at a press conference in Lagos, the lawyers implored President Bola Tinubu to prevent the case from being "swept under the carpet." They warned that any attempt to protect the former minister from prosecution would undermine the rule of law and erode public trust in government institutions. The coalition commended the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for arresting Nnaji but expressed criticism over the perceived slow pace of the investigation.

The lawyers highlighted a perceived disparity in the justice system, where ordinary Nigerians face swift prosecution while politically exposed individuals allegedly enjoy delays or inaction. "While we commend the efforts of the ICPC so far, we condemn the undue delay in bringing the former minister to justice," the statement read. "This once again exposes the unequal administration of justice, where the poor and unconnected are swiftly prosecuted, while the rich and influential enjoy delays, silence or inaction."

The group maintained that Nnaji's resignation does not absolve him of the alleged offenses, emphasizing that the claims of multiple certificate forgeries warrant full criminal prosecution. They referenced a Premium Times investigation from October 2025, which alleged that Nnaji did not graduate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) with a Microbiology/Biochemistry degree, despite being admitted in the 1981/82 academic session. The investigation reportedly cited correspondences between Nnaji and the university's Registry Department between November 1985 and May 1986 concerning a failed compulsory course, Virology. The lawyers pointed to a handwritten application from May 19, 1986, where Nnaji allegedly sought permission to retake the course due to health reasons, contradicting a UNN degree certificate dated July 1985 that was allegedly submitted during his ministerial nomination.

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While we commend the efforts of the ICPC so far, we condemn the undue delay in bringing the former minister to justice. This once again exposes the unequal administration of justice, where the poor and unconnected are swiftly prosecuted, while the rich and influential enjoy delays, silence or inaction.