Former Science Minister Uche Nnaji Arrested At Abuja Airport

Former Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has been arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja after arriving from Enugu on a chartered flight.

Vanguard and Premium Times reported that airport sources confirmed the arrest on Wednesday. Both outlets said Nnaji was expected to be handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission for interrogation.

The arrest is linked to an ICPC investigation into allegations that the former minister forged his academic certificates. Premium Times reported that the commission had been pursuing him after he resigned from office last year following investigations into the certificate claims.

Vanguard reported that a Federal High Court in Abuja granted ICPC leave in mid-June to arrest Nnaji as part of the investigation. The court also authorised the commission to declare him wanted through national newspapers, social media platforms and other channels.

According to both reports, the ICPC told the court that Nnaji had failed to honour several invitations for questioning in connection with the investigation.

Premium Times reported that its earlier investigation found that Nnaji forged his University of Nigeria, Nsukka degree and National Youth Service Corps certificates, which were submitted during his ministerial confirmation process in 2023.

Vanguard said the ICPC had yet to issue an official statement on the arrest at the time of its report. There was also no immediate reaction from Nnaji or his representatives on the allegations.

The draft states the allegations as allegations and keeps the arrest tied to the ICPC investigation and the court order reported by both outlets. It does not treat the certificate-forgery claims as a final court finding.

Sources: Vanguard, Premium Times