Former Minister of Science and Technology, Mr. Uche Nnaji, was arrested on Wednesday while attempting to travel, as anti-graft agents closed in on him over longstanding allegations of academic certificate forgery.
Authoritative sources confirmed the arrest, with reports varying slightly on the precise location: Daily Post Nigeria indicated he was taken into custody at Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu while preparing to board a chartered flight to Abuja.
Premium Times, citing airport sources, reported the arrest occurred at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja upon his arrival from Enugu via chartered flight. In either case, Nnaji is expected to be handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for interrogation.
The development marks a significant escalation in a case that has dogged the former minister since his resignation from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet last year.
The ICPC has been pursuing Nnaji following investigations revealing he allegedly forged his University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates. These documents were reportedly submitted to President Tinubu, the Nigerian Senate, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the State Security Service, and other authorities during his ministerial screening and confirmation in 2023.
A Premium Times investigation published in October last year exposed the discrepancies, prompting Nnaji to later admit that UNN never issued him a degree certificate validating key aspects of the probe.
In mid-June, a Federal High Court in Abuja granted the ICPC an arrest warrant and permission to declare him wanted through various media channels after he allegedly failed to honor multiple invitations for questioning. Nnaji had denied evading arrest, described reports as a “media trial,” and filed an appeal against the court order.
Nnaji, who recently emerged as a prominent political figure (including PDP governorship aspirations in Enugu), had resigned amid the growing scrutiny. The ICPC’s pursuit intensified following the court ruling.
This arrest shows ongoing efforts by Nigerian anti-corruption agencies to address integrity issues in public office, particularly regarding forged credentials. Further updates are expected as the ICPC commences interrogation.
No official statement has been issued by Nnaji or his representatives at the time of this report.
