Former Minister Uche Nnaji Arrested Over Alleged Certificate Forgery

Former Minister Uche Nnaji Arrested Over Alleged Certificate Forgery

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji has been arrested in connection with an ongoing investigation into alleged certificate forgery.

The former minister was reportedly apprehended on Wednesday at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport while preparing to board a chartered flight to Abuja. However, some reports indicate he was arrested shortly after arriving at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport from Enugu.

Security sources said Nnaji was taken into custody by operatives and is expected to be handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for interrogation.

The arrest marks a significant development in the long-running investigation into allegations that the former minister submitted forged academic credentials during his appointment into the Federal Executive Council.

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The ICPC has been investigating claims that Nnaji falsified his academic records, including his university degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate. Investigators allege that the disputed documents were submitted to key government institutions, including the office of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigerian Senate, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and security agencies during the ministerial screening and confirmation process.

The anti-graft agency had earlier accused the former minister of repeatedly ignoring invitations to appear before investigators. Following his alleged refusal to honour the invitations, the commission approached the court for enforcement measures.

In June, the Federal High Court granted the ICPC permission to arrest Nnaji and authorised the commission to declare him wanted through newspapers, social media platforms and other channels if necessary.

The forgery allegations centre on claims that Nnaji presented documents indicating he graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and successfully completed the mandatory NYSC programme. Investigations, however, reportedly raised questions over the authenticity of both certificates.

Nnaji has consistently denied wrongdoing, describing the allegations as politically motivated and a coordinated media campaign against him. He also challenged the arrest order at the Court of Appeal in Abuja in an effort to stop its enforcement.

As of the time of filing this report, the ICPC had not issued an official statement on the arrest.

Former Minister Uche Nnaji Arrested Over Alleged Certificate Forgery