How we arrested ex-Minister Uche Nnaji - ICPC

Nigeria's Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed the arrest of former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji. The agency stated that Nnaji was apprehended at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Wednesday night.

The arrest comes after a PREMIUM TIMES investigation revealed allegations of certificate forgery against the former minister. The investigation, published in October last year, detailed claims that Nnaji forged his university and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates, which he submitted during his ministerial confirmation in 2023.

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He was apprehended with the assistance of the State Security Services (SSS) and subsequently handed over to the ICPC for further investigation.

The ICPC spokesperson, John Odey, confirmed that the arrest followed a federal high court ruling. The court ordered Nnaji's arrest after he repeatedly failed to honor invitations from the anti-graft agency. Odey assured the public that the matter would be pursued diligently.

Nnaji has consistently denied the allegations. Despite a court order for his arrest, he filed an appeal against it on June 18 at the Court of Appeal in Abuja. The ICPC is expected to continue its investigation at its headquarters in Abuja.

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The commission assures the public that the matter will be pursued diligently in accordance with the law.