Ex-Minister Uche Nnaji arrested by DSS at Enugu airport over corruption allegations

Former Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, was arrested on Wednesday by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu. Security sources confirmed that Nnaji was apprehended in the early hours of the day as he was preparing to board a private jet bound for Abuja.

The DSS carried out the arrest based on a request from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The ICPC is reportedly investigating the former minister concerning allegations of irregularities in the management of the Ministry of Science and Technology during his time in office. Following his arrest, Nnaji was handed over to the ICPC for further questioning and investigation.

Sources close to the investigation revealed that the anti-graft agency had extended multiple invitations to Nnaji regarding petitions that raised concerns about his ministry's management. However, the former minister reportedly failed to honor these invitations. Consequently, the ICPC sought the assistance of the DSS to facilitate his arrest.

Nnaji resigned from his position as Minister of Science and Technology in October of the previous year under circumstances that attracted significant public attention. As of the time of reporting, neither the DSS nor the ICPC had released an official statement regarding the arrest. Attempts to reach the ICPC's spokesman, John Odeh, for comment were unsuccessful.