The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, over allegations of certificate forgery.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by ICPC’s Head of Media and Public Communications, J. Okor Odey, the former minister was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport shortly after arriving in Abuja. The operation was carried out with the support of the Department of State Services, which subsequently handed him over to the ICPC for further investigation.
The Commission disclosed that it had earlier invited Nnaji for questioning through a letter dated 15 May 2026, which was served to his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as through his email address. However, he reportedly failed to honour the invitations, prompting the Commission to seek legal intervention.
ICPC said the arrest followed the execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court of Nigeria in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026. The court order, granted on 11 June 2026, authorised the Commission to arrest the former minister to facilitate investigations into allegations bordering on the forgery of academic credentials, including a degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the alleged submission of a false National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate during his ministerial screening in 2023.
The anti-corruption agency said Nnaji is currently in its custody at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, where investigations are ongoing.
ICPC assured the public that the case would be handled diligently and in accordance with the provisions of the law.
