THE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed the arrest of former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, over allegations of certificate forgery.
In a statement released yesterday, the commission’s Head of Media and Public Communications, Demola Bakare, said Nnaji was taken into custody following the execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court.
According to the ICPC, the former minister was arrested on July 1, 2026, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja shortly after arriving in the country.
The operation was carried out with the support of the Department of State Services (DSS), after which he was transferred to the commission for further investigation.
The anti-corruption agency stated that it had previously invited Nnaji for questioning through a formal letter dated May 15, 2026.
The invitation was reportedly delivered to his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as through his registered email address.
The commission said Nnaji failed to honour the invitations despite being notified through multiple channels, prompting it to seek legal approval for his arrest.
It explained that the Federal High Court in Abuja granted the request on June 11, 2026, authorising his arrest to facilitate investigations.
The ICPC said the investigation centres on allegations that the former minister submitted forged academic credentials during his ministerial screening in 2023.
The allegations involve a degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), as well as an allegedly falsified National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.
Following his arrest, Nnaji was taken to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, where the commission said investigations would continue in accordance with the law.
It assured the public that the matter would be handled transparently and in line with due process.
Nnaji resigned from his ministerial position in October 2025 after reports emerged questioning the authenticity of his academic qualifications and NYSC certificate.
While maintaining that he graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1975, reports alleged that the institution was unable to verify the records presented in his name.
Announcing his resignation at the time, the former minister insisted that stepping down was not an admission of wrongdoing but a decision taken to protect the integrity of the legal process and avoid distracting the administration.
He also alleged that the accusations against him were politically motivated, describing them as part of a coordinated campaign aimed at damaging his reputation.
Nnaji maintained that he remains confident the judicial process will clear his name.
