Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, was on Wednesday arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after arriving from Enugu on a chartered flight.
Sources familiar with the development said security operatives took the former minister into custody immediately after his arrival at the airport.
It was gathered that Nnaji is expected to be handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for further questioning over allegations linked to the forgery of his academic credentials.
Although officials of the ICPC had yet to issue an official statement on the arrest as of press time, sources said the commission had been monitoring the former minister for several months as part of an ongoing investigation.
According to the sources, the arrest followed investigations that reportedly uncovered irregularities in documents submitted by Nnaji during his public service career.
The former minister is expected to be interrogated by anti-corruption investigators to determine the extent of the alleged offences and whether criminal charges should be filed against him.
The case centres on allegations that Nnaji forged some of his academic certificates, including his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) credentials.
The allegations first became public while he was serving as a member of President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet and later intensified following investigations by relevant authorities.
Nnaji was appointed Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology by President Bola Tinubu on August 16, 2023, after receiving confirmation from the Senate.
He headed the ministry responsible for promoting scientific research, technological advancement and innovation as part of the Federal Government’s efforts to diversify the economy and encourage home-grown solutions to national challenges.
However, his tenure in office came under pressure following claims that some of the educational and service documents associated with him were not genuine.
The controversy eventually led to his resignation from office on October 7, 2025.
At the time, reports indicated that he stepped down after allegations emerged that he had forged his National Youth Service Corps certificate and other credentials.
His resignation was seen as part of efforts to allow investigations into the allegations without affecting the activities of the ministry.
Following his exit from office, the ICPC reportedly widened its investigation to determine whether any laws had been violated and whether false information had been used in securing public office.
Wednesday’s arrest is believed to be part of that ongoing investigation.
Sources said investigators may also examine how the disputed documents were obtained, presented and used during his appointment process.
Public officers are required to present genuine educational and professional qualifications before assuming office, while security agencies are expected to verify such credentials during the screening process.
The case has also renewed public attention on the verification of certificates and other credentials submitted by political appointees and senior public officials.
In recent years, Nigeria has witnessed several cases involving allegations of forged academic certificates, NYSC documents and age declarations involving politicians and government officials.
Some of the cases have resulted in resignations, removal from office and court proceedings, while others remain under investigation.
Anti-corruption agencies, including the ICPC and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), have repeatedly stressed that public office holders must be held accountable where evidence of fraud or forgery exists.
The ICPC, established in 2000, is empowered to investigate and prosecute corruption-related offences, including abuse of office, bribery, fraudulent practices and the forgery of official documents connected with public service.
The commission has in recent years intensified efforts to strengthen accountability in government institutions through investigations, enforcement and public awareness campaigns.
As of the time of filing this report, neither Nnaji nor his legal representatives had publicly reacted to the arrest.
Similarly, the Federal Government had not issued any official statement on the development.
It also remains unclear when the former minister will be formally questioned or whether he will be granted administrative bail after interrogation.
The arrest marks the latest twist in a case that has attracted public attention since allegations about Nnaji’s credentials first surfaced while he was serving in President Tinubu’s cabinet.
With the ICPC expected to take over the investigation, attention will now focus on whether the commission finds sufficient evidence to file charges before a competent court.
Under Nigerian law, allegations of criminal conduct remain accusations until they are proven in court, and every suspect is presumed innocent unless found guilty by a court of law.