The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has officially confirmed the detention of the immediate past Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, following his arrest on Wednesday.
The commission stated that the arrest was executed based on a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court of Nigeria, following the former minister’s repeated failure to cooperate with ongoing investigations.
ICPC spokesman John Odey explained that the commission had previously made multiple attempts to invite Mr. Nnaji for questioning regarding serious allegations.
“The Commission had earlier extended formal invitations to the former minister through a letter referenced ICPC/HC/CSTF/GUN/GBT/T.1/VOLV16, dated 15 May 2026. The invitation notices were duly served to his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as via his electronic mail address. Despite service through multiple channels, Mr. Nnaji failed to appear for investigative interviews on the scheduled dates, necessitating further legal action,” the statement noted.
Following his non-compliance, the ICPC secured a court order from the Federal High Court in the Abuja Judicial Division (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026) on June 11, 2026, which authorized his arrest.
Mr. Nnaji was subsequently apprehended on July 1 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja upon his arrival via a private jet, with assistance from the Department of State Services (DSS).
The commission detailed that the investigation centers on two primary allegations of forgery:
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“Forgery of academic credentials, specifically concerning a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN); and”
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“False National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Discharge Certificate, which was submitted during his ministerial screening process in 2023.”
Following his arrest, Mr. Nnaji was taken into custody at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja.
The commission has assured the public that the investigation will be conducted with diligence and in full accordance with the law.
