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The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has explained that former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, is being detained over allegations of forged academic credentials and submission of a fake National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, ICPC spokesperson John Odey said the former minister was arrested following the execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court after he repeatedly failed to honour the commission's invitations.
According to the commission, Nnaji was apprehended on Wednesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport upon his arrival in Abuja with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS) before being transferred to ICPC custody.
The anti-graft agency said it had earlier invited the former minister through a letter dated May 15, 2026, which was served at his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as through his email. It said he failed to appear for questioning despite receiving the invitations.
ICPC stated that it subsequently obtained a court order from the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, on June 11, 2026, authorising his arrest to facilitate investigations.
The commission said its investigation centres on allegations that Nnaji submitted a forged degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria and a false National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate during his ministerial screening in 2023.
The ICPC added that Nnaji remains in custody at its headquarters in Abuja while investigations continue, assuring the public that the case will be handled in accordance with the law.
