Former Minister Uche Nnaji Arrested in Enugu Over Alleged Certificate Forgery

Former Minister of Science and Technology Uche Nnaji was arrested Wednesday at Akanu Ibiam International Airport in connection with an Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, investigation into alleged forged academic credentials, sources familiar with the matter said. 

Nnaji was intercepted before boarding a chartered flight to Abuja and is expected to be transferred to the ICPC for questioning, according to the sources. The ICPC had not confirmed the arrest as of press time. 

The ICPC has been investigating allegations that Nnaji falsified educational documents, including a university degree and National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, certificate, during his appointment process. The commission said it submitted documents to President Bola Tinubu, the Senate, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and security agencies for verification. 

The agency said Nnaji repeatedly failed to honor invitations for questioning. In June, a Federal High Court in Abuja granted the ICPC permission to arrest him and, if necessary, declare him wanted in newspapers and on social media. Nnaji appealed the order at the Court of Appeal in Abuja. 

The allegations center on claims that Nnaji presented certificates showing he graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and completed the NYSC programme. Investigations raised questions about the documents’ authenticity, and reports said Nnaji later stated that UNN did not issue him a degree certificate. Nnaji has denied wrongdoing and described the reports as a media campaign against him.