ICPC arrests ex-Minister Uche Nnaji over alleged forged certificates

Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, the immediate past Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, was arrested on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The arrest was carried out by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission with assistance from the Department of State Services, following a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court.

The ICPC stated that Nnaji is being investigated for allegedly forging a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a false National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate. These documents were reportedly submitted during his ministerial screening process in 2023. The commission emphasized that the allegations have not been proven in court and that Nnaji is presumed innocent.

According to the ICPC, the arrest followed Nnaji's repeated failure to honor invitations for questioning. The commission first sent a formal invitation letter dated May 15, 2026, which was served at his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu and sent via email. After he did not appear for scheduled interviews, the ICPC sought legal recourse.

On June 11, 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja...