ICPC Confirms Arrests of Ex-Minister Nnaji

Former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, has been arrested by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The arrest, confirmed by ICPC's Head of Media and Public Communications, Mr. John Okor Odey, occurred on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, upon Nnaji's arrival. The former minister was apprehended with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS).

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The arrest was effected on Wednesday, July 1, 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.

Nnaji faces allegations of certificate forgery, specifically concerning a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a False National Youth Service Corps Discharge Certificate submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023. The ICPC had previously extended formal invitations to Nnaji on May 15, 2026, through multiple channels, including his known addresses and email. However, Nnaji failed to appear for scheduled investigative interviews, leading to further legal action.

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The invitation notices were duly served to his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as via his electronic mail address. Despite service through multiple channels, Mr. Nnaji failed to appear for investigative interviews on the scheduled dates, necessitating further legal action.

The ICPC's action followed a court order granted by the Federal High Court in Abuja on June 11, 2026. The order directed the ICPC to arrest the former minister to facilitate an investigation into the allegations. Nnaji is currently in custody at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, where the investigation is expected to continue. The commission assured that the matter will be pursued diligently in accordance with the law.

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Forgery of academic credentials, specifically concerning a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN); and False National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Discharge Certificate, which was submitted during his ministerial screening process in 2023.