Certificate probe: ICPC detains ex-minister Nnaji after airport arrest
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has detained the immediate past Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Geoffrey Nnaji, over allegations of certificate forgery and the submission of a false National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate.
The anti-graft agency said Nnaji was taken into custody on Wednesday after he was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with the assistance of operatives of the Department of State Services.
In a statement by its Head of Media and Public Communications, John Odey, the commission said the arrest was carried out pursuant to a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court.
“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, following the execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court of Nigeria,” the statement said.
According to the ICPC, Nnaji was apprehended upon his arrival at the Abuja airport and was subsequently handed over by the DSS to the Commission for further investigation.
“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 and subsequently handed over to the ICPC for further investigation,” the statement added.
The commission said it had earlier invited the former minister to appear before investigators through a letter dated May 15, 2026, which was served at his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as through his email address.
“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,” it said.
ICPC explained that it subsequently obtained a court order from the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026, on June 11, 2026, authorising the arrest of the former minister.
According to the commission, the order was issued to enable an investigation into allegations of “forgery of academic credentials, specifically concerning a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN),” as well as the alleged submission of “a false National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Discharge Certificate” during Nnaji’s ministerial screening in 2023.
The ICPC said Nnaji is currently being detained at its headquarters in Abuja as investigations continue.
“Following the arrest, Mr Nnaji has been taken into custody at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, where investigations are expected to continue.
“The commission assures the public that the matter will be pursued diligently in accordance with the law,” the statement said.
