The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has disclosed the specifics of its inquiry into former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji. The investigation centers on claims that Nnaji provided a counterfeit degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a fraudulent National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate when he was screened for his ministerial role in 2023.
The anti-corruption agency turned to the Federal High Court to obtain a bench warrant after Nnaji reportedly ignored multiple summons for questioning. According to John Okor Odey, the commission’s spokesperson, the former minister was taken into custody on July 1, 2026, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. This operation was conducted with support from the Department of State Services, which subsequently transferred Nnaji to the ICPC.
Official records indicate the ICPC issued its first invitation on May 15, 2026, with notices sent to both his Abuja and Enugu residences, as well as via email. After he failed to respond to these requests, the agency sought legal authorization. On June 11, 2026, the Federal High Court in Abuja issued an order, registered as Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026, allowing for his arrest to support the ongoing probe.
Nnaji is currently being held at the commission’s Abuja headquarters. The agency emphasized that these claims have yet to be adjudicated, and the former minister is entitled to the presumption of innocence until a court of law decides otherwise.
