The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed the arrest of former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, over allegations of certificate forgery.

Nnaji was arrested on Wednesday by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja and was subsequently handed over to the ICPC.

In a statement, ICPC spokesperson Okor Odey said the commission had sent several invitation letters to the former minister through multiple channels, including his residential addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as his email address. However, Nnaji allegedly failed to honour the invitations.

According to the commission, the Federal High Court in Abuja issued a bench warrant for Nnaji’s arrest to facilitate investigations into allegations bordering on forgery of academic credentials and submission of a false National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.

“The invitation notices were duly served to his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as via his electronic mail address,” the statement said.

“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 June 11, 2026, directed the ICPC to arrest the former minister to enable investigation into allegations bordering on forgery of academic credentials, specifically a degree certificate purportedly obtained from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and a false NYSC discharge certificate submitted during his ministerial screening process in 2023.”

The commission added that Nnaji is currently being held at its headquarters in Abuja, where investigations are ongoing.

“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 added.

Nnaji resigned from office in October 2025 amid allegations that he falsified academic credentials submitted during his ministerial appointment process.

Prior to his resignation, questions were raised over the authenticity of documents he presented to President Bola Tinubu and the Senate during his confirmation.

An investigation by Premium Times alleged that the former minister did not complete his university education and that both the bachelor’s degree certificate and NYSC discharge certificate he submitted to the President, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), the DSS and the Senate were forged.