ICPC Confirms Arrest of Former Minister Uche Nnaji Over Alleged Certificate Forgery
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed the arrest of former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, over allegations of certificate forgery.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the Commission's Head of Media and Public Communications, Mr. Okor Odey, the ICPC said Nnaji was arrested following the execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court.
According to the statement, the former minister was apprehended on July 1, 2026, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after arriving in the country. The Commission said the operation was carried out with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS) before he was handed over to ICPC investigators.
The statement said the Commission had earlier invited Nnaji for questioning through a letter dated May 15, 2026, which was served at his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as through his email address.
According to the ICPC, the former minister failed to honour the invitations, prompting the Commission to seek legal action.
The statement said: "Despite service through multiple channels, Mr. Nnaji failed to appear for investigative interviews on the scheduled dates, necessitating further legal action."
The Commission disclosed that the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026, granted an order on June 11, 2026, authorising the arrest of the former minister to facilitate investigations.
According to the statement, the investigation centres on allegations that Nnaji forged academic credentials, including a degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023.
The ICPC said the former minister is currently in its custody at the Commission's headquarters in Abuja, where investigations are continuing.
The statement added: "The Commission assures the public that the matter will be pursued diligently in accordance with the law."
Nnaji resigned as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology in October 2025 following public allegations relating to his academic qualifications and NYSC certificate.
At the time of his resignation, the former minister denied any wrongdoing, insisting that stepping down was not an admission of guilt.
In a statement issued after leaving office, Nnaji said: "My decision to step aside is, therefore, a personal choice — not an admission of guilt, but rather a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court. In the end, justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just."
He also alleged that the claims against him were politically motivated.
"Over the past week, an orchestrated and sustained campaign of falsehoods, politically motivated and malicious attacks have been waged against my person, integrity, and office across print, electronic, and social media platforms," the former minister said.
Nnaji maintained that he graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and expressed confidence that the judicial process would establish his innocence.
Source: Channels TV
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