THE Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed the arrest of former Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, over allegations that he forged his academic credentials, saying the action followed the execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court.
News Point Nigeria reports that the confirmation was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the ICPC’s Head of Media and Public Communications, Okor Odey, who disclosed that Nnaji was apprehended upon his arrival at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS) before being handed over to the anti-graft agency for further investigation.
According to the commission, the arrest was carried out in compliance with a court order authorising the ICPC to take the former minister into custody.
“The arrest was effected on Wednesday, 1st July 2026 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon Mr. Nnaji’s arrival. He was apprehended with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS) and subsequently handed over to the ICPC for further investigation,” the statement read.
The commission disclosed that it had earlier invited Nnaji for questioning through a formal letter referenced ICPC/HC/CSTF/GUN/GBT/T.1/VOLV16, dated May 15, 2026.
According to the ICPC, the invitation letters were duly served to the former minister’s known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as through his electronic mail.
However, the anti-corruption agency said Nnaji failed to honour the invitations despite being served through multiple channels, prompting it to seek legal intervention.
“Despite service through multiple channels, Mr Nnaji failed to appear for investigative interviews on the scheduled dates, necessitating further legal action,” the commission stated.
It added that the legal action followed an order granted by the Federal High Court in the Abuja Judicial Division in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026, which authorised the commission to arrest the former minister.
The ICPC explained that the order, issued on June 11, 2026, empowered it to investigate allegations bordering on the forgery of a University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) degree certificate and a false National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate allegedly submitted by Nnaji during his ministerial screening process in 2023.
Following his arrest, the former minister has been taken into custody at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, where investigations are continuing.
The commission assured Nigerians that the matter would be pursued diligently and strictly in accordance with the law.
Nnaji resigned from office in October after reports alleged that he forged both his first degree certificate and NYSC discharge certificate.
Although the former minister has consistently maintained that he graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1975, reports claimed that the institution was unable to verify his academic records.
Responding to the allegations after stepping down from office, Nnaji insisted that his resignation should not be interpreted as an admission of guilt.
“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 said in the statement announcing his resignation.
The former minister also accused his political opponents of orchestrating what he described as a coordinated campaign to tarnish his image.
“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,” he said.
“These unfounded allegations and media distortions have not only caused personal distress but have also begun to distract from the vital work of the Ministry and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.”