ICPC Arrests Former Science Minister Geoffrey Nnaji Over Alleged Certificate Forgery
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.
The anti-corruption agency disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Head of Media and Public Communications, Mr. J. Okor Odey.
According to the ICPC, Nnaji was arrested on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after arriving in the country.
The Commission said the arrest was carried out in execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court, with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS), after which the former minister was handed over to the ICPC for further investigation.
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The ICPC explained that it had previously invited Nnaji for questioning 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.
However, the Commission said he failed to honour the invitations or appear for the scheduled investigative interviews despite being duly notified through multiple channels.
According to the statement, the Commission subsequently approached the Federal High Court in the Abuja Judicial Division, which granted an order on June 11, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026, authorising his arrest to facilitate investigations.
The ICPC said the investigation centres on allegations that the former minister forged academic credentials, including a degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and presented a false National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate during his ministerial screening in 2023.
Following his arrest, Nnaji was taken into custody at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, where investigations are ongoing.
The Commission assured the public that the case would be handled diligently and in accordance with the provisions of the law.Alternative headlines:
By PRNigeria
