The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has explained why it arrested the immediate past Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, saying the action followed a valid court order over allegations of certificate forgery.
The anti-graft agency disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Head of Media and Public Communications, J. Okor Odey.
According to the ICPC, Nnaji was arrested on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, shortly after arriving at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS) before being handed over to the commission.
The agency explained that the former minister had previously been invited for questioning through a letter dated May 15, 2026, which was delivered to his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as through his email address.
However, the commission said he failed to honour the invitation despite being served through multiple channels.
“Despite service through multiple channels, Mr. Nnaji failed to appear for investigative interviews on the scheduled dates, necessitating further legal action,” the statement said.
ICPC disclosed that it subsequently obtained a bench warrant from the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026, on June 11, 2026, authorising his arrest.
According to the commission, the investigation centres on allegations that Nnaji submitted forged academic credentials during his ministerial screening in 2023.
The statement alleged that the former minister is being investigated over a University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) degree certificate and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, which investigators believe may have been falsified.
“The order 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 a false National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate submitted during his ministerial screening process in 2023,” the commission stated.
The ICPC confirmed that Nnaji is currently in its custody at its headquarters in Abuja, where investigations are continuing.
The commission added that the matter would be pursued in accordance with the law, while emphasizing that the allegations remain under investigation.
