The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, was arrested after allegedly failing to honour several invitations issued in connection with an investigation into allegations of certificate forgery.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed that the immediate past Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, was arrested after repeatedly failing to honour invitations issued by the anti-graft agency over an ongoing investigation into alleged certificate forgery. The commission said the arrest was carried out following the execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court.
In a statement signed by the ICPC’s Head of Media and Public Communications, Okor Odey, the commission disclosed that formal invitations were first sent to Nnaji on May 15, 2026, through multiple channels, including his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu as well as his email address.
According to the commission, the former minister failed to appear for investigative interviews on the scheduled dates despite receiving the invitations, prompting the agency to seek legal approval for his arrest. He was eventually arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with the assistance of operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) after the court-issued warrant was executed.
Earlier in June, the Federal High Court granted the ICPC authority to issue a bench warrant for Nnaji’s arrest and to declare him wanted after the commission informed the court that he had repeatedly failed to honour invitations relating to its investigation.
The investigation centres on allegations that the former minister submitted forged academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) credentials. Nnaji has previously denied the allegations and challenged the court’s decision ordering his arrest.
The ICPC maintained that due process was followed throughout the investigation and that legal action became necessary only after repeated attempts to secure Nnaji’s voluntary appearance proved unsuccessful.
The commission said investigations will continue in accordance with the law and that further actions will depend on the outcome of the interrogation and evidence gathered.
The arrest marks the latest development in the high-profile certificate forgery investigation involving the former minister. With Nnaji now in ICPC custody, attention is expected to shift to the next phase of the investigation and any possible criminal proceedings arising from the case.