The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has obtained a court order permitting it to detain former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, for 14 days as investigations into allegations of certificate forgery intensify.
The anti-graft agency secured the remand warrant shortly after Nnaji’s arrest on Wednesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where he was intercepted upon arrival from Enugu aboard a chartered flight.
A source within the commission disclosed that the order allows investigators to interrogate the former minister for an initial two weeks, with the possibility of seeking an extension if necessary.
ICPC spokesperson, Demola Bakare, confirmed the arrest in a statement, saying operatives of the Department of State Services assisted in apprehending the former minister before handing him over to the commission.
According to the commission, Nnaji is currently being held at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, where investigations are ongoing.
The spokesperson explained that the arrest followed an order of the Federal High Court directing the commission to arrest the former minister after he allegedly failed to honour several invitations issued during the investigation.
“The commission assures the public that the matter will be pursued diligently in accordance with the law,” the statement read.
The ICPC said the investigation centres on allegations that Nnaji submitted forged academic credentials, including a degree certificate purportedly obtained from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate during his ministerial screening in 2023.
The case stems from allegations that surfaced after multiple investigations questioned the authenticity of the documents submitted by the former minister.
The Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier authorised his arrest after the commission argued that he repeatedly ignored invitations to appear for questioning.
Although Nnaji challenged the arrest order at the Court of Appeal, the ICPC proceeded with his arrest following his arrival in Abuja on Wednesday.
The former minister has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
Nnaji resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet after allegations surrounding his academic qualifications gained public attention.
The latest development marks a significant step in the anti-graft agency’s efforts to conclude its investigation into the high-profile forgery allegations, with legal proceedings expected to continue after the expiration of the remand period.
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