Former Science and Technology Minister was detained at Abuja airport as investigators probe alleged forged academic and NYSC certificates
Former Minister of Science and Technology Uche Nnaji has been arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of certificate forgery, marking a significant development in an investigation into his academic credentials.
Also read: Ex-minister Uche Nnaji arrested over certificate probe
The ICPC confirmed on Wednesday that Nnaji was arrested upon his arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS).
ICPC spokesperson Okor Odey said the arrest was carried out in compliance with an order of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, issued on June 11, 2026, authorising the anti-corruption agency to apprehend the former minister to facilitate ongoing investigations.
“The arrest was effected on Wednesday, 1st July 2026 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon Mr. Nnaji’s arrival,” Odey said.
According to the commission, Nnaji had earlier been invited to appear before investigators through a formal letter referenced ICPC/HC/CSTF/GUN/GBT/T.1/VOLV16, dated May 15, 2026.
Odey said the invitation was delivered to the former minister’s known addresses in Abuja and Enugu and was also sent to his electronic mail address.
However, he allegedly failed to honour the invitation for scheduled investigative interviews.
“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,” Odey stated.
The allegations centre on claims that Nnaji submitted forged academic documents, including a degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), as well as an alleged false National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate during his ministerial screening in 2023.
Following his arrest, the former minister was taken into custody at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, where investigators are continuing their inquiries.
The Uche Nnaji Arrest follows months of public scrutiny after investigative reports alleged irregularities in the former minister’s academic credentials.
Nnaji, who served in the administration of President Bola Tinubu, resigned from office after the allegations became public.
Earlier this year, the Federal High Court issued a warrant authorising his arrest as part of the ongoing investigation into the forgery allegations.
Separate investigative reports also alleged that the former minister continued receiving monthly salaries for several months after leaving office, although the ICPC’s latest statement focused solely on the certificate forgery investigation.
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The anti-corruption commission has not indicated when Nnaji will be formally charged, stating only that investigations remain ongoing.
Mariam Balogun is a contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
