Certificate scandal: Ex-Minister Nnaji reacts to ICPC witness's testimony

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has reacted to reports that a witness for the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, told a court that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, and the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, disowned his certificates.

Reacting to the report on Tuesday, Nnaji’s defence team called for accurate and balanced reportage of the court proceedings, which commenced on Monday.

A statement issued by Dr. Robert Ngwu on behalf of Nnaji’s defence team said the report presented allegations made by the prosecution as established facts, despite the fact that the trial was ongoing and no judgment had been delivered.

DAILY POST reports that Nnaji’s legal team, led by Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, alongside other counsel, clarified that the prosecution presented its first witness, who was subsequently cross-examined.

Nnaji’s defence team further noted that the case was adjourned until November 5, 2026, for the continuation of the trial.

It also clarified that although the court admitted documents tendered by the prosecution, it ruled that objections to their admissibility could be considered at the stage of final addresses.

“The admission of documents is part of the trial process; it is not a finding that the allegations have been proved.

“The omissions and emphasis in the report raise a legitimate question about whether it reflects the proceedings in their full context.

“The truth will be tested in court,” Nnaji’s defence team stated.