ICPC launches manhunt for ex-minister Uche Nnaji over alleged certificate forgery

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has launched a manhunt for former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, over an alleged certificate forgery scandal.

ICPC sources said the search began after Mr Nnaji failed to honour multiple invitations issued by the anti-graft agency regarding the forgery probe.

—Two-year investigation, fake UNN and NYSC certificates—

The ICPC investigation followed a two-year media investigation published in October 2023.

It disclosed that the then-minister allegedly forged his University of Nigeria Nsukka, UNN, degree and NYSC certificates submitted to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Senate during his ministerial confirmation in 2023.

Mr Nnaji claimed he obtained a degree from UNN in 1985.

Insiders said UNN management has responded to ICPC enquiries regarding the probe. The former minister was repeatedly invited for interrogation via WhatsApp, email and phone, but allegedly failed to show up.

“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,” a source said.

—Immunity strategy ahead of 2027 polls—

Sources said Mr Nnaji’s refusal to honour ICPC invitations is based on a strategy to enjoy immunity from criminal prosecution if he wins the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State.

The former minister quietly moved to the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC. He unsuccessfully contested the 2023 governorship election in Enugu under APC.

In late May, Mr Nnaji emerged as the governorship candidate of the Nyesom Wike-backed PDP faction ahead of the 2027 general elections.

—Background—

Disturbed by scrutiny of his academic records in October 2023, Mr Nnaji filed a suit at the Federal High Court in Abuja to block UNN and its Vice-Chancellor, Professor Simon Ortuanya, from releasing his academic records.

His special adviser on media, Robert Ngwu, did not respond to multiple calls and a WhatsApp enquiry seeking comments since Monday. [Culled from The Radaar]