Nnaji’s Alleged Certificate Forgery: Test for Nigeria’s Anti-Corruption War

Obinna Chima

Nigeria’s anti-corruption war is once again at a defining crossroads as about nine months after he resigned as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology over allegations of certificate forgery, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) this week arrested Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, following the execution of a bench warrant issued by a Federal High Court.

The ICPC’s Head of Media and Public Communications, Okor Odey, disclosed that Nnaji was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja. He was apprehended with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS) and subsequently handed over to the anti-graft agency for further investigation.
According to the commission, the action became necessary after the former minister allegedly failed to honour invitations for investigative interviews served at his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as through his electronic mail.

Nnaji resigned from office in October 2025 after reports alleged that he forged his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate and his first degree certificate. Although he insisted that he graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1985, reports claimed the institution could not verify his academic records. The report also alleged that Nnaji’s forged NYSC certificate indicated that he served in Plateau State between 16 April 1985 and 15 May 1986.
Whether these allegations are ultimately proven or disproven is a matter for the courts. However, what is no longer in doubt is that the case has become a major litmus test of President BolaTinubu administration’s commitment to the rule of law and its repeated promise that no one is above the law.
Forgery is not a mere administrative irregularity. It is a criminal offence that undermines the rule of law, destroys meritocracy, devalues genuine academic achievements, and erodes confidence in public institutions.

In fact, Section 463 of the Criminal Code stipulates a three-year imprisonment sentence for forgery. Also, Sections 362 to 364 of the Penal Code address forgery offenses, with penalties reaching up to 14 years of imprisonment.
Nnaji, who while in office, was largely seen as a ‘sleeping minister,’ if found guilty, could be said to have drawn salaries, allowances and other perks of office on the false claims that he holds NYSC and UNN certificates. Therefore, if proven guilty, the federal government should ensure it recovers the salaries and allowances he received while in office to serve as a deterrent to others who may be tempted to obtain or retain public office through fraud and deception.

The federal government must also resist any temptation to allow political considerations, personal relationships or elite influence to derail the process. The ICPC must be given the institutional independence and backing required to conclude its investigation without fear or favour and if sufficient evidence exists, the matter should proceed to prosecution with dispatch and if the allegations cannot be substantiated, the outcome should equally be made public.
Ultimately, this case is about the credibility of Nigeria’s anti-corruption institutions, the sanctity of public office and the rule of law and the federal government must see to its conclusion.