Why Ex-minster Uche Nnaji was arrested – ICPC

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has revealed the reason behind the arrest of the immediate past Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by J. Okor Odey, Head, Media and Public Communications of the commission ICPC on Wednesday.

According to the commission, his arrest followed the execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court of Nigeria.

Recall that the ex minster was arrested on Wednesday, 1st July 2026 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon his  arrival in Nigeria. 

He was apprehended with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS) and subsequently handed over to the ICPC.

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 legal action followed a court order granted by the Federal High Court in the Abuja Judicial Division (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026). 

“The order, issued on 11 June 2026, directed the ICPC to arrest the former minister to enable investigation into allegations bordering on Forgery of academic credentials, specifically concerning a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, and False National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Discharge Certificate, which was submitted during his ministerial screening process in 2023.

“Following the arrest, Mr. Nnaji has been taken into custody at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, where investigations are expected to continue. The Commission assures the public that the matter will be pursued diligently in accordance with the law,” the statement read.

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