Former Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has been arrested by security operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged certificate forgery.
The former minister was reportedly taken into custody on Wednesday shortly after arriving in the Federal Capital Territory aboard a chartered flight from Enugu State.
His arrest marks the latest development in a case that has generated significant public attention since allegations first surfaced during his ministerial tenure.
According to Premium Times, security sources disclosed that Nnaji was apprehended on arrival at the airport and is expected to be handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for further questioning.
The anti-corruption agency has been investigating allegations that the former minister submitted forged academic credentials and a fake National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate during his screening for ministerial appointment in 2023.
The allegations centre on claims that the disputed certificates were among the documents submitted to the Presidency, the Senate, and relevant security agencies during the ministerial confirmation process.
The controversy triggered an investigation into the authenticity of the credentials presented before his appointment was approved.
Investigators had earlier accused Nnaji of repeatedly failing to honour invitations issued in connection with the investigation.
As a result, a Federal High Court in Abuja granted the commission’s request to issue a warrant for his arrest and approved steps to declare him wanted.
However, the former minister challenged the court’s decision at the Court of Appeal in June, seeking to overturn the order.
Nnaji eventually resigned from his position as Minister of Science and Technology last year as the allegations surrounding his credentials continued to generate public scrutiny.
His latest arrest is expected to advance the ongoing investigation as anti-corruption authorities continue efforts to determine the authenticity of the documents at the centre of the case.
The ICPC has yet to issue an official statement on the arrest or indicate when the former minister will be formally questioned or arraigned.
