Human rights lawyer Liborous Oshoma has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to uphold the rule of law in the ongoing certificate forgery investigation involving former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, while commending the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for his arrest.

Speaking during a television interview, Oshoma praised the investigative work that brought the allegations to public attention and argued that public office holders should not be shielded from accountability. He maintained that the arrest demonstrated that no individual should be above the law, regardless of political status.

The senior lawyer criticised what he described as a culture of impunity among political office holders, alleging that Nnaji initially responded to the allegations by challenging the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) over the authenticity of his academic records instead of fully cooperating with investigators. He argued that the former minister’s refusal to honour investigative invitations made law enforcement action necessary.

Oshoma further advised President Tinubu to allow the anti-corruption agencies to carry out their duties without political interference, stressing that the credibility of the administration’s anti-corruption campaign depends on ensuring that justice is applied equally to all Nigerians.

The former minister was recently arrested and handed over to the ICPC as investigations continue into allegations that he presented forged academic and NYSC certificates during his ministerial screening. Nnaji has consistently denied the allegations, while the investigation remains ongoing.