ICPC Confirms Arrest Of Ex-Minister Uche Nnaji Over Certificate Forgery Allegations

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

In a statement on its website on Wednesday evening, ICPC’s Head of Media and Public Communications, Okor Odey, said Nnaji was arrested “following the execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court of Nigeria”.

“The arrest was effected on Wednesday, 1st July 2026 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon Mr. Nnaji’s arrival. He was apprehended with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS) and subsequently handed over to the ICPC for further investigation,” the statement read.

According to the anti-graft commission, the ICPC had earlier extended formal invitations to the former minister through a letter referenced ICPC/HC/CSTF/GUN/GBT/T.1/VOLV16, dated 15 May 2026.

The invitation notices were duly served to his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as via his electronic mail address, the anti-graft agency said.

“Despite service through multiple channels, Mr Nnaji failed to appear for investigative interviews on the scheduled dates, necessitating further legal action,” it said. “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).”

READ ALSO: Science Minister Uche Nnaji Resigns Over Certificate Scandal

It said the order issued on 11 June 2026 directed the ICPC to arrest Nnaji 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, which was submitted during his ministerial screening process in 2023.

Following the arrest, the ex-minister has been taken into custody at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, where investigations are expected to continue. The Commission assured the public that the matter will be pursued diligently in accordance with the law.

Resignation ‘Not Admission of Guilt’

The former minister had resigned from his position in October following a report that claimed he forged his NYSC discharge certificate and that of his first degree.

Although he maintains that he graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1975, the report indicates that the institution could not verify his academic records.

But the ex-minister said the resignation was “not an admission of guilt” and that the decision did not “come lightly”.

“My decision to step aside is, therefore, a personal choice — not an admission of guilt, but rather a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court. In the end, justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just,” he said in a statement confirming his resignation as a minister.

Nnaji accused his political opponents of being behind what he tagged a “sustained campaign of falsehood”.

“Over the past week, an orchestrated and sustained campaign of falsehoods, politically motivated and malicious attacks have been waged against my person, integrity, and office across print, electronic, and social media platforms,” he said.

“These unfounded allegations and media distortions have not only caused personal distress but have also begun to distract from the vital work of the Ministry and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.”