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Immediate-past Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has been arrested by security operatives at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu while preparing to board a chartered flight to Abuja, in a dramatic twist to the alleged certificate forgery scandal that forced his resignation from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet last year.
Sources familiar with the development confirmed that the former minister was taken into custody on Wednesday morning and is expected to be handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for further interrogation and investigation.
The arrest represents the most significant development yet in the case that has generated intense political and legal controversy since allegations first surfaced in October 2025 that Nnaji submitted forged academic and service certificates during his ministerial nomination and screening process.
Arrest Follows Court-Ordered Warrant
The former minister’s arrest comes only weeks after a Federal High Court in Abuja granted the ICPC leave to arrest him over the allegations.
In a ruling delivered in mid-June, the court authorized the anti-graft agency to apprehend Nnaji and, if necessary, declare him wanted through newspapers, social media platforms and other channels of communication.
The court’s decision followed an ex parte application filed by the ICPC, which argued that the former minister had repeatedly failed to honour invitations issued to him in connection with what the agency described as ongoing “investigative activities” relating to allegations of certificate forgery.
Court documents showed that the anti-corruption commission considered Nnaji’s alleged refusal to appear before investigators sufficient grounds to seek judicial intervention to compel his attendance.
The development marked an unusual and dramatic turn in the investigation involving a former cabinet member and prominent political figure in Enugu State.
Allegations That Shook the Cabinet
The controversy surrounding Nnaji began in October 2025 when reports emerged alleging that he had forged both his bachelor’s degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.
The allegations claimed that the documents in question were submitted to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian Senate during the ministerial screening and confirmation process in 2023.
Reports further alleged that the same certificates were presented to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other relevant government agencies as part of the documentation required for his appointment as a minister of the Federal Republic.
The allegations triggered widespread public concern, given the sensitivity of issues surrounding educational qualifications and public office in Nigeria.
Political observers noted at the time that the accusations had the potential to undermine public confidence in the integrity of the appointment process and raise broader questions about due diligence in the screening of public officials.
Resignation from Tinubu’s Cabinet
Amid mounting public scrutiny and growing pressure, Nnaji resigned from his position as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology on October 8, 2025.
In his resignation statement, the former minister maintained that his decision was not an admission of wrongdoing but rather an effort to uphold due process and avoid distracting the administration of President Tinubu.
He insisted that he was stepping aside to allow a full and unhindered investigation into the allegations.
The resignation ended his tenure in the Federal Executive Council and immediately intensified calls for a thorough investigation into the authenticity of the documents he had allegedly submitted.
His departure from the cabinet was viewed by many analysts as one of the most significant ministerial exits under the Tinubu administration and underscored the seriousness of the allegations against him.
Nnaji Denied Allegations, Described Reports as “Media Trial”
Despite the court’s ruling authorising his arrest, Nnaji had publicly denied the existence of any arrest warrant and dismissed reports concerning the case as a “media trial.”
He repeatedly insisted that he had not received any formal invitation from the ICPC and rejected suggestions that he was evading investigators.
The former minister maintained that the allegations against him were politically motivated and intended to tarnish his reputation and derail his political ambitions.
However, subsequent court filings indicated that the matter had moved beyond media reports and entered a critical legal phase.
Court records later revealed that on June 18, 2026, Nnaji filed a notice of appeal before the Court of Appeal in Abuja, challenging the Federal High Court’s decision authorising his arrest.
The appeal sought to overturn the lower court’s ruling and prevent the enforcement of the arrest order.
Legal experts have observed that while an appeal may challenge the validity of a court order, the filing of such an appeal does not automatically stay the execution of the order unless a separate stay of execution is granted.
Political Implications in Enugu
Nnaji’s arrest also carries significant political implications in Enugu State, where he has recently been acclaimed by supporters as a leading contender and prospective governorship candidate of the opposition for the 2027 gubernatorial election.
The latest development is expected to reverberate across the state’s political landscape, with analysts predicting that the outcome of the investigation and any subsequent legal proceedings could significantly affect his political future.
The case is also likely to reignite debate about the integrity and qualification requirements for public office holders in Nigeria and may influence future screening procedures for political appointees.
Awaiting Official Statements
As of the time of filing this report, neither Nnaji nor the ICPC had issued an official statement confirming the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
The anti-corruption agency is, however, expected to take custody of the former minister and continue its investigation into the allegations.
Whether the matter will culminate in criminal charges remains to be seen, but Wednesday’s arrest marks a major turning point in one of Nigeria’s most closely watched political and legal controversies.
The coming days are expected to provide further clarity on the direction of the investigation and the legal battles that may follow as the former minister seeks to clear his name while investigators pursue allegations that have already reshaped his political career.
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