The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested the immediate past Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, following the execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court.
The former minister was arrested on Wednesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport shortly after arriving in Abuja. According to the ICPC, the operation was carried out with the assistance of the Department of State Services, which subsequently handed him over to the anti-graft agency for further investigation.
In a statement signed by the Commission’s Head of Media and Public Communications, J. Okor Odey, the ICPC said it had previously invited Nnaji for questioning through a letter dated May 15, 2026, regarding an ongoing investigation.
The Commission stated that the invitation, referenced ICPC/HC/CSTF/GUN/GBT/T.1/VOLV16, was served to the former minister’s known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as his email address. However, it said he failed to honour the invitation or appear for the scheduled investigative interviews.
The ICPC said his arrest followed an order granted by the Federal High Court in the Abuja Judicial Division in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026, issued on June 11, 2026, authorising his arrest to facilitate investigations.
According to the Commission, Nnaji is being investigated over allegations of forgery of academic credentials, particularly a degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, as well as the alleged submission of a false National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate during his ministerial screening in 2023.
The anti-corruption agency disclosed that the former minister is currently in custody at its headquarters in Abuja, where investigations are ongoing.
The ICPC assured the public that the case would be handled diligently and in accordance with the provisions of the law.
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