The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reportedly stepped up its investigation into former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, over allegations of certificate forgery.
According to a report by Premium Times, the anti-graft agency has begun efforts to locate the former minister after he allegedly failed to honour several invitations issued in connection with the ongoing investigation.
The publication reported that sources familiar with the matter said the ICPC had invited Nnaji for questioning through different channels, including telephone calls, emails and WhatsApp messages, but he did not appear before investigators.
One of the sources quoted by the newspaper claimed that the commission could declare the former minister wanted if attempts to secure his appearance are unsuccessful.
The latest development is said to be part of an investigation that followed a lengthy inquiry by Premium Times into Nnaji’s academic records and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) documents.
The newspaper had earlier alleged that the former minister submitted forged degree and NYSC certificates during his ministerial screening and confirmation process in 2023.
According to the report, the ICPC has also sought information from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), as part of its investigation.
Another source cited by Premium Times alleged that Nnaji’s failure to respond to the invitations may be linked to his political ambitions ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State.
The newspaper recently reported that the former minister moved from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and later emerged as its governorship candidate.
Neither Nnaji nor his media aide, Robert Ngwu, had publicly responded to the latest allegations as of the time of filing this report. Premium Times said calls and messages sent to his spokesperson were not answered.
The controversy surrounding the former minister began after investigations into his academic qualifications were published in 2023.
According to the newspaper, Nnaji had approached the Federal High Court in Abuja in a bid to stop the release of his academic records by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
However, Premium Times reported that university authorities later informed the newspaper that although Nnaji was admitted into the institution, he did not graduate or obtain the certificate attributed to him.
The publication also stated that the National Youth Service Corps disowned the discharge certificate allegedly presented by the former minister.
Nnaji eventually resigned from his position shortly after the allegations became public.
The matter has continued to attract public attention, with several lawyers and civil society groups calling for a thorough investigation and, where necessary, prosecution in line with the law.
In a related development, POLITICS NIGERIA also reported earlier this year that an investigative panel set up by the Federal Ministry of Education examined the matter as part of a broader review of the allegations surrounding the former minister’s credentials.
The ICPC has yet to release an official public statement detailing the current status of its investigation.