Alleged certificate forgery: Forensic institute, others demand prosecution of ex-minister Nnaji
The Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN) and the Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) have called on relevant law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute the former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr. Uche Nnaji, over alleged certificate forgery, the scandal that reportedly led to his […]
Uche Nnaji
The Chartered Institute of Forensics and Certified Fraud Investigators of Nigeria (CIFCFIN) and the Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) have called on relevant law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute the former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Mr. Uche Nnaji, over alleged certificate forgery, the scandal that reportedly led to his resignation from office.
In a statement on Thursday, Dr Iliyasu Gashinbaki, the chairman of CIFCFIN governing council, said it was not enough for the former minister to resign, insisting that he must face the full consequences of his actions.
The council described the growing culture of forgery in public service as a symptom of a failing system marked by the absence of consequences, weak deterrence, and institutional compromise.
CIFCFIN said to reverse the trend and restore integrity in public institutions, the federal government must ensure a transparent and accountable criminal justice system, as well as a nationwide independent forensic audit to be led by the institute.
According to the council, the proposed forensic audit would involve verifying the academic credentials of all civil servants, public office holders, and ministerial nominees to ensure professional integrity in line with global best practices.
“We can either continue on the path of impunity, which destroys the very foundations of our society, or choose the path of accountability and the rule of law. The prosecution of all offenders is the first step on this new path. Otherwise, we shall continue to build in vain,” the statement said.
Similarly, the Citizens Advocacy for Social and Economic Rights (CASER) has urged the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Enugu State to prosecute Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, who hails from the state.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, CASER’s Executive Director, Mr. Frank Tietie, said the organisation had already petitioned the Enugu State Attorney General to commence prosecution, noting that federal agencies appeared to be “dragging their feet” on the matter.
He warned that such dereliction of duty, particularly in cases involving high-profile figures, undermines public trust in the justice system and erodes the principle that no one is above the law.
“It is precisely the perceived inaction and selective enforcement by these federal agencies, for politically obvious reasons, that has compelled CASER to formally request the Honourable Attorney General of Enugu State to exercise his constitutional powers under Section 211 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to investigate and prosecute Chief Geoffrey Uche Nnaji for alleged acts of forgery and related offences,” Tietie said.
He explained that Section 211 empowers a state attorney general to institute and undertake criminal proceedings against any person in respect of offences created by state law.
“This request by CASER is not politically motivated — it is a principled call for justice, deterrence, and the restoration of institutional integrity. If federal agencies will not act due to political convenience or policy correctness, then a state authority that still believes in the sanctity of law must do so,” he added.
Following an investigation by PREMIUM TIMES, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), disowned the Bachelor of Science degree certificate in the possession of the former Minister, saying the politician did not complete his studies at the institution and was never issued a certificate.
According to PREMIUM TIMES, Simon U. Ortuanya, the Vice-Chancellor of UNN, stated that although Nnaji was admitted to the institution in 1981, he did not complete his studies and was never awarded a degree.
The platform added that authorities at the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) also confirmed that the certificate of national service being paraded by Nnaji was strange to it and could not be authenticated.