The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) testified before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, confirming that the discharge certificate linked to former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, was never issued by the scheme.
​Appearing before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik as the second prosecution witness (PW2), Yusuf Abubakar Jumare, an Assistant Director in the NYSC’s Certification Department, stated that an internal investigation determined the document presented by the former minister was fraudulent.
​The trial took place under Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/389/2026, wherein the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is prosecuting Nnaji on a six-count charge encompassing certificate forgery and money laundering.
Prosecution Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Jimoh Abdulmumuni led the witness in evidence, while defense lawyer Bode Olanipekun, SAN, conducted the cross-examination.
​During his testimony, Mr. Jumare identified four distinct discrepancies on the contested discharge certificate. He highlighted that the serial number prefix appearing on the 1985 document was not introduced by the NYSC until 1990.
Furthermore, Jumare explained that the certification department conducted a thorough verification process following inquiries by investigative authorities regarding documents submitted to the Senate during ministerial screening. He maintained under cross-examination that NYSC records contain no trace of any discharge certificate issued to Nnaji.
​The NYSC’s testimony builds on earlier evidence introduced by ICPC investigator Mr. Ibrahim, who revealed that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) also disowned Nnaji’s degree certificate in Microbiology and Biochemistry, confirming he had not met the academic requirements for graduation.
​Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case to November 30, 2026, for the continuation of cross-examination, with further proceedings set for January 29, 2027. Former Minister Nnaji, who previously pleaded not guilty to all counts, remains out on ₦20 million bail.
