* Says he failed to appear for investigative interviews
By Teddy Nwanunobi
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that it has arrested an ex-Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji.
Nnaji, who was arrested on Wednesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja over allegations of certificate forgery, served as a minister under President Bola Tinubu before resigning, following investigation into his academic credentials.
The spokesperson for the ICPC, Okor Odey, confirmed Nnaji’s arrest in a statement on Wednesday.
“The arrest was effected on Wednesday, 1st July 2026 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon Mr Nnaji’s arrival,” he said.
He said Nnaji was apprehended with the assistance of the State Security Service (SSS), and subsequently handed over to the ICPC for further investigation.
“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,” he added.
Odey said the former minister failed to appear for investigative interviews on the scheduled dates, thus necessitating further legal action.
He explained that the action followed an order granted by the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, (Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026) on 11 June 2026, authorising the ICPC to arrest the former minister to facilitate investigations into allegations bordering on certificate forgery.
According to him, the allegations concern the forgery of academic credentials, including a degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and a false National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate allegedly submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023.
Odey added that following his arrest, Nnaji was taken into custody at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, and investigations continuing.
The Federal High Court earlier issued a warrant for his arrest following The Gazette’s investigation detailing how he forged his academic certificates.
