Forgery allegations: Ex-minister Nnaji, UNN begin out-of-court talks

A former Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, Uche Nnaji, the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and other parties in a certificate forgery dispute, have commenced moves to settle out of court, halting further proceedings in the case.

The development was disclosed on Monday during proceedings before Justice Hauwa Yilwa of the Federal High Court Abuja, where the suit came up for hearing of pending applications.

Nnaji had approached the court in October 2025, following an investigation by Premium Times, alleging that the minister had forged his first degree and National Youth Service Corps certificates.

The report further faulted the minister for submitting the forged documents to President Bola Tinubu and the Senate during his ministerial screening.

Nnaji had subsequently resigned his position as minister following widespread controversy, stating that he did not want the issue to become a distraction from the activities of the administration.

The case has, however, stalled at the courts since it was instituted, due to procedural setbacks including issues relating to the service of court processes and multiple preliminary objections filed by the defendants.

When the matter was called on Monday, counsel to Nnaji, Ope Muritala, informed the court that although the case was slated for a hearing of pending applications, there was a fresh development, adding that parties were exploring an amicable resolution, requesting an adjournment to enable negotiations to continue. Punch