Tension As ICPC Hunts Ex-Minister Nnaji, Signals Possible Wanted Declaration

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reportedly intensified its search for former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, over allegations of certificate forgery.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The anti-graft agency is said to be investigating claims that Nnaji forged his University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) degree certificate as well as his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.

The certificates were allegedly submitted to President Bola Tinubu and the Senate during his ministerial screening in 2023.

The probe reportedly stems from a two-year investigative report published by Premium Times in October last year, which accused the former minister of falsifying his academic and service credentials.

Sources within the commission said Nnaji may face prosecution if the allegations are proven, while the University of Nigeria, Nsukka is said to have already responded to ICPC’s inquiries regarding the matter.

According to insiders, the former minister was repeatedly invited for questioning but allegedly failed to honour the invitations.

The sources claimed that ICPC reached out to him through various channels, including WhatsApp, email, and phone calls, but he did not appear for scheduled interrogations.

“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,” one source was quoted as saying.

Another source alleged that Nnaji’s absence may be linked to political calculations ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State, suggesting he is avoiding scrutiny while pursuing political ambitions.

It was further claimed that the former minister had shifted political allegiance from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) following his unsuccessful 2023 governorship bid in Enugu State.

Reports also suggest he recently emerged as a governorship candidate within a PDP faction aligned with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, ahead of the 2027 elections.

There are also allegations that he may be seeking political office partly to gain immunity from prosecution if elected.

The ICPC has, however, not officially confirmed whether Nnaji will be declared wanted.