The controversy surrounding the alleged forgery of a West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate by former House of Representatives member, Hon. Rita Odichinma Orji, has resurfaced after the petitioner, Mr. Uche David Esomonu, accused the police of stalling the case.
Hon. Orji, who represented Ajeromi–Ifelodun Federal Constituency of Lagos State from 2015 to 2019 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was arrested by the Nigeria Police on November 24, 2024, over allegations that she presented a forged WAEC certificate during her tenure.
Since her initial statement to investigators, little progress has been reported, fueling speculation that the matter may have been deliberately silenced.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Esomonu expressed frustration at the lack of progress.
“I wonder why this case has been swept aside despite clear evidence. The Nigerian Police must restore their dignity by reopening the case file and pursuing it to its logical conclusion. I will not relent until justice is served,” he said.
Court Ruling and Resistance to Probe
A High Court sitting in Apo, Abuja, had earlier ruled that Hon. Orji had a case to answer. Justice Kawu Bello affirmed the constitutional powers of the police to investigate certificate forgery and dismissed Orji’s attempt to halt the probe.
Court records show that Orji initially resisted police invitations, opting instead to seek a restraining order against the investigation. However, the court directed her to cooperate fully with law enforcement.
Allegations of Selective Justice
Esomonu accused the police of double standards, citing other cases that were quickly pursued, including that of Engineer Chukwubuike Azubuike, who allegedly impersonated the “Obi of Lagos” in a failed bid to defraud the public of ₦1.5 billion.
He argued that if such cases could receive swift attention, the allegations against Hon. Orji should not be left unattended.
Public Interest in Ajeromi–Ifelodun
The case has continued to generate debate, especially in Ajeromi–Ifelodun, where Orji once held political sway and even contested again in the last general elections.
Esomonu warned that inaction could encourage impunity and erode trust in Nigeria’s justice system, urging the police to restore public confidence by concluding the investigation.
