The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arrested former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Geoffrey Nnaji, over allegations that he forged his academic credentials and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, following the execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court.
The anti-corruption agency said Nnaji was apprehended at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after his arrival, with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS).
The Commission disclosed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday by its Head of Media and Public Communications, Okor Odey, explaining that the arrest followed the former minister’s alleged failure to honour several invitations issued as part of an ongoing investigation.
According to the statement, the ICPC had, through a letter referenced ICPC/HC/CSTF/GUN/GBT/T.1/VOL.V16 dated May 15, 2026, formally invited Nnaji for investigative interviews.
The invitation, it said, was served through multiple channels, including his known residential addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as his registered email address.
Despite these efforts to notify him, the Commission said Nnaji failed to appear before investigators on the scheduled dates, prompting it to seek judicial intervention to compel his appearance.
The ICPC stated that the Federal High Court sitting in the Abuja Judicial Division subsequently granted its application in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026, issuing a bench warrant on June 11, 2026, authorising the arrest of the former minister to facilitate the investigation.
According to the Commission, the investigation centres on allegations that Nnaji submitted forged academic credentials, particularly a degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), as well as a false NYSC discharge certificate.
The agency alleged that the disputed NYSC certificate formed part of the documents submitted by Nnaji during his ministerial screening and confirmation process in 2023.
Following his arrest, the former minister remains in the custody of the ICPC, where investigators are expected to continue questioning him over the allegations.
The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to conducting a thorough investigation and assured the public that the matter would be handled in accordance with the law and due process.