The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, has said that former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, was arrested over allegations of certificate forgery.
Nnaji was arrested on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, with assistance from the Department of State Services, DSS, following a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court.
According to the ICPC, Nnaji is being investigated for: Alleged forgery of academic credentials, specifically a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN; and Alleged false National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Discharge Certificate, which he submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023.
The Commission said it had earlier invited Nnaji for questioning through a letter dated May 15, 2026. The invitation was served to his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, and sent to his email. He failed to appear for the scheduled interviews.
Following his non-appearance, the ICPC sought legal action. On June 11, 2026, the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026, issued a bench warrant directing the Commission to arrest the former minister to enable investigation.
Nnaji has been taken into custody at ICPC headquarters in Abuja, where investigations will continue, the Commission said.
“The matter will be pursued diligently in accordance with the law,” ICPC Head of Media and Public Communications, J. Okor Odey, said in a statement released Wednesday.
Nnaji served as Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation until recently. The allegations center on documents he presented during his 2023 screening for the ministerial position.