ICPC Arrests Former Science Minister Geoffrey Uchechukwu 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, Mr. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, following the execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court.

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According to a statement issued by the Commission on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, the former minister was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after his arrival in the Federal Capital Territory. The operation was carried out with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS), after which he was handed over to the ICPC for further investigation.

The Commission disclosed that it had previously extended formal invitations to Mr. Nnaji through a letter referenced ICPC/HC/CSTF/GUN/GBT/T.1/VOLV16, dated May 15, 2026. The invitations were reportedly served at his known residential addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as through his electronic mail.

Despite the multiple notifications, the ICPC stated that the former minister failed to honour the invitations for investigative interviews on the scheduled dates, prompting the Commission to seek legal intervention.

The subsequent legal action culminated in an order of the Federal High Court sitting in the Abuja Judicial Division in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026. The order, issued on June 11, 2026, authorised the Commission to arrest Mr. Nnaji to facilitate investigations into allegations bordering on the forgery of academic credentials and related offences.

Specifically, the ICPC said the investigation centres on allegations of:

• Forgery of academic credentials, particularly a degree certificate purportedly obtained from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN); and
• Presentation of a false National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Discharge Certificate allegedly submitted during his ministerial screening process in 2023.

Following his arrest, Mr. Nnaji was taken into custody at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, where investigations are expected to continue.

The Commission reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the matter is thoroughly investigated and handled in strict accordance with the law.

The statement was signed by J. Okor Odey, Head, Media and Public Communications, ICPC.