News
BREAKING: Tinubu’s Ex-Minister in Trouble Over Certificate Scandal
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has reportedly stepped up its investigation into former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, over allegations of certificate forgery.
According to a report by Premium Times, the anti-graft agency has begun efforts to locate the former minister after he allegedly failed to honour several invitations issued in connection with the ongoing investigation.
The publication reported that sources familiar with the matter said the ICPC had invited Nnaji for questioning through different channels, including telephone calls, emails and WhatsApp messages, but he did not appear before investigators.
One of the sources quoted by the newspaper claimed that the commission could declare the former minister wanted if attempts to secure his appearance are unsuccessful.
The latest development is said to be part of an investigation that followed a lengthy inquiry by Premium Times into Nnaji’s academic records and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) documents.
The newspaper had earlier alleged that the former minister submitted forged degree and NYSC certificates during his ministerial screening and confirmation process in 2023.
According to the report, the ICPC has also sought information from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), as part of its investigation.
Another source cited by Premium Times alleged that Nnaji’s failure to respond to the invitations may be linked to his political ambitions ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State.
The newspaper recently reported that the former minister moved from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and later emerged as its governorship candidate.
Neither Nnaji nor his media aide, Robert Ngwu, had publicly responded to the latest allegations as of the time of filing this report. Premium Times said calls and messages sent to his spokesperson were not answered.
The controversy surrounding the former minister began after investigations into his academic qualifications were published in 2023.
According to the newspaper, Nnaji had approached the Federal High Court in Abuja in a bid to stop the release of his academic records by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
However, Premium Times reported that university authorities later informed the newspaper that although Nnaji was admitted into the institution, he did not graduate or obtain the certificate attributed to him.
The publication also stated that the National Youth Service Corps disowned the discharge certificate allegedly presented by the former minister.
Nnaji eventually resigned from his position shortly after the allegations became public.
The matter has continued to attract public attention, with several lawyers and civil society groups calling for a thorough investigation and, where necessary, prosecution in line with the law.
In a related development, POLITICS NIGERIA also reported earlier this year that an investigative panel set up by the Federal Ministry of Education examined the matter as part of a broader review of the allegations surrounding the former minister’s credentials.
The ICPC has yet to release an official public statement detailing the current status of its investigation
The National Assembly received a comprehensive list of proposed new local government areas (LGAs) across several states in Nigeria as of January, 2026.
The submission was reported to have included requests from multiple states, reflecting demands for administrative expansion and closer governance.
Nigerian federal workers are awaiting their salary payments following a social media post claiming that state government workers have received their salaries, with federal workers expected to be paid from Monday.
The update was shared by Naija Updates in the IPPIS Salary Discussion Group on Facebook, where the post announced that state workers had been paid and urged federal workers to anticipate their own payments.
The post generated engagement among Facebook users, attracting reactions and comments from members of the group interested in salary updates and workers’ welfare.
However, the claim that state workers have been paid and that federal salary payments will begin on Monday has not been independently confirmed. The post did not identify the specific states whose workers had received their salaries or provide an official statement from the Federal Government.
Federal workers are therefore advised to rely on official communications from their respective ministries, departments and agencies, as well as relevant government payroll authorities, for accurate information regarding salary disbursements.
The development comes amid continued public interest in salary payment schedules and the welfare of Nigerian workers.
President Bola Tinubu has approved the appointment of the immediate past Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Yusuf Bichi, as the Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Institute for Security Studies (NISS), Lower Usuma Dam, Abuja.
Bichi’s appointment was approved by President Tinubu based on the recommendation of the current Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Adeola Ajayi.
Daily Voice reports that his appointment, according to a statement on Thursday by the Director of Coordination and Liaison of the NISS, Lilian Omo-Odigwe, is for an initial four-year term, effective 22nd October, 2026.
The statement noted that Bichi’s appointment is in accordance with Section 4 of the National Institute for Security Studies (Establishment) Act, 2019.
Bichi, who will succeed A.A. Gadzama, on the Governing Board, handed over leadership of the DSS to the incumbent Director-General in August 2024.
The former DG began his career in the Security Division of the Kano State Cabinet Office before his transfer of service in 1984.
“Bichi’s appointment to Chair the NISS Board brings an extensive experience in intelligence, security administration, operational leadership and institutional training to the governance of the National Institute,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, Nollywood actress Eniola Badmus has defended her continued support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying her political stance is the reason some people criticize her.
Naija News reports that the actress made this known during an interview with Nigerian comedian and content creator Isbae U on his podcast, Curiosity Made Me Ask.
Badmus explained that the criticism she receives is largely connected to her decision to support Tinubu, adding that she remains committed to the president despite the negative reactions from some Nigerians.
The actress maintained that she would continue to stand by her political choice, regardless of public opinion.
She also noted that democracy allows people to support political candidates and parties of their choice without being attacked for their decisions.
According to Badmus, she does not condemn people for supporting politicians different from the ones she believes in, stressing that everyone should be free to make their own political decisions.
Full List Of Proposed New Local Government Areas Submitted To National Assembly In 2026
Salary: Fresh Update Emerges On Payment To Nigerian Workers
