By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, over allegations of certificate forgery and submission of a false National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.
The arrest was executed on Wednesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon the former minister’s arrival into the country. Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) assisted in apprehending Mr. Nnaji before handing him over to the anti-graft agency.
The ICPC had previously invited the former minister for questioning through a formal letter referenced ICPC/HC/CSTF/GUN/GBT/T.1/VOLV16, dated 15 May 2026. The invitation was delivered to his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as through his email, but Mr. Nnaji failed to appear on the scheduled dates.
Following his refusal to honour the invitations, the Commission secured a bench warrant from the Federal High Court in Abuja (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026) on 11 June 2026, authorising his arrest.
The allegations against the former minister include:
1· Forgery of academic credentials, specifically a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)
2· Submission of a false NYSC Discharge Certificate during his ministerial screening in 2023Mr.
Nnaji is currently in custody at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja as investigations continue.
The Commission has assured the public that the matter will be pursued diligently in accordance with the law.