Former minister Uche Nnaji was arrested at Abuja airport over alleged certificate forgery. The ICPC begins fresh interrogation after a court-approved arrest.
The arrest of former Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has reignited public attention on an investigation into alleged certificate forgery that has been unfolding for months.
Security operatives apprehended the former minister at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja on Tuesday morning after he arrived on a chartered flight, marking a significant development in a case that has attracted nationwide interest.
According to reports, Uche Nnaji was taken into custody shortly after leaving the aircraft and is expected to be handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for questioning.
The anti-corruption agency has been investigating allegations that he submitted forged academic and official credentials during the process that led to his appointment as a federal minister.
The Uche Nnaji arrest follows a June 13 ruling by the Federal High Court in Abuja, which granted the ICPC permission to arrest the former minister as part of its investigation.
The court also approved the commission’s request to declare him wanted through newspapers, social media platforms and other communication channels after investigators argued that repeated invitations for questioning had gone unanswered.
Court documents indicated that the ICPC sought the arrest warrant after the former minister allegedly failed to honour several invitations issued during the investigation.
The commission maintained that the decision to seek judicial approval became necessary because its efforts to secure his voluntary appearance had been unsuccessful.
At the centre of the investigation are allegations that Uche Nnaji presented forged academic qualifications, including a bachelor’s degree purportedly obtained from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.
Investigators are working to determine whether the documents submitted during his nomination and confirmation process were authentic.
The allegations further claim that the disputed certificates were presented to President Bola Tinubu and members of the Nigerian Senate during the ministerial screening and confirmation exercise held in 2023.
Authorities also allege that the same documents were submitted to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the State Security Service as part of the official requirements for public office.
The ICPC investigation reportedly intensified after questions were raised about the authenticity of the documents. As the agency gathered evidence, it invited the former minister to provide explanations regarding the certificates.
Prosecutors told the court that those invitations were ignored, prompting them to seek legal authority to compel his appearance.
Following Tuesday’s operation, Uche Nnaji is expected to undergo interrogation by investigators, who will seek clarification on the allegations and review available documentary evidence.
Depending on the outcome of the investigation, the commission may decide whether further legal action is necessary in line with Nigerian law.
The case has generated widespread debate about the importance of integrity and transparency in public service appointments.
Legal experts note that allegations involving forged credentials are treated seriously because public officials are expected to meet strict ethical and legal standards before assuming office.
They also stress that every suspect remains entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a competent court.
Observers believe the outcome of the investigation could have broader implications for the verification of academic and professional credentials submitted by individuals seeking high public office.
The development has also renewed calls for stronger background checks during appointments to ensure that only qualified candidates occupy sensitive government positions.
The Abuja airport arrest has become one of the most talked-about political developments of the week, drawing reactions from legal analysts, civil society organisations and members of the public.
While many have welcomed the enforcement of the court order, others have urged investigators to conduct a thorough, impartial and transparent inquiry that respects due process.
As investigations continue, attention will remain focused on the evidence presented by the anti-corruption agency and the response of the former minister to the allegations.
For now, Uche Nnaji remains at the centre of a high-profile investigation that could shape public confidence in accountability within Nigeria’s public service.
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