The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) denied issuing certificates attributed to former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, an Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) investigator told a Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday.
Superintendent of Police Yakubu Ibrahim, the first prosecution witness in Nnaji’s alleged certificate forgery trial, said the institutions gave the responses after the commission received two petitions alleging certificate fraud against the former minister.
Ibrahim told the court that UNN denied issuing the Bachelor of Science certificate in Microbiology and Biochemistry attributed to Nnaji, while the NYSC said it did not issue his discharge certificate.
He added that UNN provided Nnaji’s academic records, including a withdrawal notice dated November 7, 1984, relating to General Microbiology. According to the witness, the university said Nnaji did not meet the required academic conditions for the degree.
However, during cross-examination, Nnaji’s counsel, Wole Olanipekun (SAN), drew the witness’s attention to a subsequent letter dated March 18, 1985, which reportedly rescinded the earlier withdrawal notice.
Ibrahim admitted that he did not personally visit UNN during the investigation and could not identify where the allegedly forged certificates were produced. He said members of the investigating team interviewed the university’s registrar.
The witness also said the ICPC did not investigate where Nnaji completed his national service because the NYSC had denied issuing the certificate.
Nnaji is facing a six-count charge bordering on alleged certificate forgery, fraud, corruption and providing false information. The allegations relate to certificates he allegedly presented during his ministerial screening in 2023.
He has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the case until November 3 for further proceedings.
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