ICPC launches manhunt for former minister Uche Nnaji over certificate forgery
ICPC has launched an active search for former Innovation Minister Uche Nnaji over his certificate forgery scandal following his failure to honor multiple invitations for interrogation. The anti-graft agency is investigating whether Nnaji forged his UNN degree and NYSC certificates, which he submitted to President Tinubu and the Nigerian Senate during his 2023 ministerial confirmation.
The investigation follows a PREMIUM TIMES report from October 2023 that revealed Nnaji forged his credentials. UNN management confirmed he neither graduated nor received any certificate from the university, while NYSC authorities disowned his discharge certificate. Nnaji resigned three days after the investigation was published.
Sources indicate Nnaji has repeatedly ignored ICPC invitations via WhatsApp, email, and phone. "The ICPC is looking for him everywhere to possibly arrest him, and if we can't find him, we will most likely declare him wanted," an insider told PREMIUM TIMES. Nnaji recently emerged as PDP's governorship candidate for Enugu State in 2027, with speculation he hopes to win and gain immunity from prosecution.
With Nnaji now a political figure seeking higher office, will the government prioritize prosecuting this high-profile forgery case before the 2027 election, potentially setting a precedent for how similar cases involving politicians are handled?