ENUGU, Nigeria — Operatives of the Department of State Services on Wednesday arrested former Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu while he was preparing to board a private jet to Abuja, security sources have confirmed.
The arrest was carried out at the request of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, which has been investigating the former minister over allegations of certificate forgery. Following the apprehension, Nnaji was handed over to the anti-graft agency for further interrogation.
The dramatic arrest at one of Nigeria’s busiest airports marks a significant escalation in a case that has trailed the former minister since his resignation from the Federal Executive Council in October 2025. Nnaji, who served as Minister of Science and Technology under President Bola Tinubu, has been at the centre of a swirling controversy over the authenticity of his academic credentials, allegations he has consistently denied.
Court Order and Investigation
The arrest follows a Federal High Court order issued in mid-June, which granted the ICPC permission to arrest Nnaji as part of its investigation into allegations that he forged his academic credentials. The court also authorised the commission to declare him wanted through national newspapers, social media platforms, and other media channels if necessary.
According to court filings, the ICPC sought the ex parte order after Nnaji allegedly failed to honour several invitations extended to him for questioning in connection with the investigation. The commission informed the court that repeated efforts to secure his appearance for “investigative activities” proved unsuccessful, leaving the agency with no option but to seek judicial intervention.
The court’s decision to grant the arrest warrant underscored the seriousness of the allegations and the commission’s determination to pursue the matter to its logical conclusion. Legal experts have noted that such warrants are not issued lightly, suggesting that the ICPC presented compelling evidence to convince the court of the necessity of the order.
Certificate Forgery Allegations
The investigation stems from allegations that Nnaji submitted forged academic documents during his ministerial nomination and confirmation process in 2023. Reports alleged that he forged both his University of Nigeria, Nsukka bachelor’s degree certificate and his National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate.
These documents were reportedly submitted to President Bola Tinubu, the Nigerian Senate, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and the DSS as part of the documentation required for his appointment. The former minister later reportedly admitted that UNN never issued him a degree certificate, a revelation that intensified public scrutiny and ultimately led to his resignation.
The allegations struck at the heart of the credibility of the ministerial screening process, raising questions about the vetting procedures employed by the National Assembly and the Executive. The case has also reignited public debate about the prevalence of certificate forgery among public office holders and the need for more rigorous background checks.
Resignation and Legal Challenge
Nnaji resigned from his position as Minister of Science and Technology on October 8, 2025, stating that his resignation was to uphold due process rather than an admission of guilt. He consistently denied the allegations, describing them as “a sustained campaign of falsehood, politically motivated and malicious attacks” aimed at tarnishing his integrity.
Following the court’s arrest order, Nnaji dismissed reports of the warrant as a “media trial.” However, on June 18, he filed a notice of appeal at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, challenging the Federal High Court’s order authorising his arrest. He argued that the lower court “erred in law” by granting the orders without jurisdiction and that it relied on “unsubstantiated facts.”
The legal challenge suggests that Nnaji is prepared to fight the allegations through every available judicial avenue, setting the stage for a protracted legal battle that could have significant implications for the anti-corruption efforts of the Tinubu administration.
Awaiting Official Statement
As of the time of this report, neither the DSS nor the ICPC had issued an official statement on the arrest, while Nnaji’s representatives had yet to comment on the development. Calls to the ICPC’s spokesman were not returned.
The arrest of a former minister at a public airport sends a powerful message about the government’s commitment to tackling corruption and holding public officials accountable, regardless of their status or political connections. It also serves as a stark reminder that no one is above the law.
Wednesday’s arrest marks a significant development in a case that has trailed the former minister since his resignation, with investigators now expected to intensify questioning as the probe continues. The coming days will likely reveal more details about the evidence against Nnaji and the next steps in the legal process. For now, the former minister remains in ICPC custody as the commission prepares to present its findings to the court.
