Lawyer Calls for Prosecution of Ex-Minister Uche Nnaji Over Alleged Forgery

Lawyer Demands Prosecution of Ex-Minister Uche Nnaji Over Alleged Certificate Forgery

A Nigerian lawyer has called on authorities to prosecute former minister Uche Nnaji, saying resignation alone is not enough in a case involving alleged forged credentials.

Liborous Oshoma made the call in a video published on 25 February, where he criticised what he described as selective enforcement of criminal law in Nigeria. He said the failure to bring charges after public revelations about Nnaji’s credentials could weaken confidence in the justice system.

Premium Times had reported in October last year that Nnaji, then Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, submitted forged degree and NYSC certificates during his 2023 ministerial confirmation process. The former minister resigned three days after the report was published.

Oshoma said he was surprised to see Nnaji publicly active in Lagos despite the seriousness of the allegations. He argued that public officials accused of forgery should face criminal trial and, if convicted, be barred from holding public office.

“People like this should be prosecuted and banned from holding public office to serve as a deterrent to others,” Oshoma said.

He said the Federal Government appeared unwilling to act because the former minister was linked to the ruling APC, adding that poor citizens and opposition figures are often investigated faster than politically connected individuals.

According to him, this pattern creates a dangerous message that political affiliation can shield people from legal consequences. He said that once citizens begin to believe the law is not applied equally, trust in institutions declines and the country’s anti-corruption effort suffers.

Oshoma also said the lack of prosecution may have encouraged Nnaji to file legal action over his records at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN). The former minister had approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, naming UNN, its vice chancellor, registrar, the Ministry of Education, the National Universities Commission and others.

Before that suit, UNN Vice Chancellor Simon Ortuanya had responded to a Freedom of Information request, stating that Nnaji did not graduate with the claimed certificate. The university registrar later gave a similar position, saying Nnaji was admitted in 1981 but did not complete graduation requirements and was not issued a degree certificate.

In a separate FOI response, NYSC authorities also reportedly disowned the discharge certificate presented by the former minister.

Oshoma said enforcement is still possible through state institutions if federal authorities delay. He argued that the Enugu State government can prosecute alleged offences connected to forgery under state law.

He referred to constitutional provisions on prosecutorial powers of state attorneys-general, saying Enugu’s attorney-general can institute or take over criminal proceedings where applicable.

The lawyer also expressed disappointment that some early voices calling for accountability, including political actors and civil society groups, have become quieter. He said sustained pressure is needed to show that no office holder is above the law.

Meanwhile, Premium Times reported in February that the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission had opened an investigation into the case. Sources quoted by the newspaper said prosecution could follow if investigators establish that the documents were forged.

The case has become a fresh test of Nigeria’s commitment to equal justice, transparency in public appointments and integrity in public office. Legal observers say the next steps by investigators and prosecutors will shape public confidence in whether document fraud by senior officials attracts real consequences.

He further said attention has shifted away from the case too quickly. Oshoma mentioned that former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the Nigerian Bar Association and civil society voices that earlier demanded action should continue to press for due process until investigative agencies conclude their work.

He insisted that accountability in this case is bigger than one individual, arguing that the outcome will influence standards for future ministerial screening, document verification and public ethics. In his view, a transparent legal process would reassure citizens that status, party links or influence cannot replace evidence in criminal justice.