The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested the immediate past Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, over allegations of certificate forgery and the submission of a false National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.
According to an official statement signed by the Head, Media and Public Communications of the ICPC, J. Okor Odey, the former minister was arrested on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon his arrival in the country.
The statement disclosed that the arrest was carried out in execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court of Nigeria. It added that the operation was conducted with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS), which subsequently handed Mr. Nnaji over to the ICPC for further investigation.
The Commission explained that it had earlier invited the former minister through a formal letter referenced ICPC/HC/CSTF/GUN/GBT/T.1/VOLV16, dated May 15, 2026. The invitation was reportedly served to his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as through his electronic mail address. However, despite being notified through multiple channels, Mr. Nnaji allegedly failed to honour the invitation for investigative interviews on the scheduled dates.
According to the statement, the Commission subsequently obtained a court order from the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026. The order, issued on June 11, 2026, authorised the arrest of the former minister to facilitate investigations into allegations relating to the forgery of academic credentials, particularly a degree certificate purportedly obtained from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), as well as the alleged submission of a false NYSC Discharge Certificate during his ministerial screening in 2023.
The ICPC further stated that Mr. Nnaji is currently in custody at the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja, where investigations are continuing.
The anti-corruption agency assured the public that the case would be pursued diligently and strictly in accordance with the law.
