The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arrested Uche Nnaji, the immediate past Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, on July 1, 2026, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. He is being investigated for allegedly forging a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and submitting a fraudulent National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate during his 2023 ministerial screening before the National Assembly.
Arrest Details and Involvement of DSS
ICPC spokesman John Odey confirmed in a statement on July 2, 2026, that Nnaji was apprehended upon his arrival at the Abuja airport with assistance from the Department of State Services (DSS). The commission had previously issued multiple invitations for Nnaji to appear for questioning, but he failed to comply. A letter referenced ICPC/HC/CSTF/GUN/GBT/T.1/VOLV16, dated May 15, 2026, was delivered to his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as via email, yet he did not attend any scheduled interviews.
Federal High Court Bench Warrant
Following Nnaji's persistent non-appearance, the ICPC obtained a bench warrant from the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, under Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026, issued on June 11, 2026. The warrant authorized the commission to arrest the former minister to facilitate the investigation. According to the ICPC, Nnaji faces two specific allegations: forgery of a UNN degree certificate and submission of a false NYSC discharge certificate. The commission stated: 'He was apprehended with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS) and subsequently handed over to the ICPC for further investigation.'
Current Custody and Ongoing Investigation
Odey confirmed that Nnaji is currently in custody at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, where investigations are ongoing. The commission assured the public that the matter will be pursued diligently in accordance with the law. Earlier reports from Daily Trust suggested that Nnaji was arrested at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu while boarding a private jet to Abuja, but the ICPC clarified that the arrest took place at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja upon his landing.
Context: Previous Convictions of Ex-Ministers
This arrest follows a pattern of anti-corruption actions against former officials. In a related case, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, who was sentenced to 75 years in prison by the Federal High Court, Abuja, for financial misappropriation while in office. The ICPC's investigation into Nnaji underscores the government's continued focus on credential fraud and corruption among public officials.
