ICPC Gets Court Order to Detain Former Minister Uche Nnaji for 14 Days for Alleged Certificate Forgery

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission has obtained a court order allowing it to detain former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, for 14 days while it intensifies investigations into allegations of certificate forgery.

The anti-corruption agency obtained the remand warrant shortly after Nnaji was arrested on Wednesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where he was intercepted upon arrival from Enugu aboard a chartered flight.

A source within the commission revealed that the ordinance allows investigators to question the former minister for the first two weeks, with the possibility of requesting an extension if necessary.

ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare confirmed the arrest in a statement, saying officers from the Department of State Services helped arrest the former minister before handing him over to the commission.

According to the commission, Nnaji is currently detained at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, where investigations are ongoing.

The spokesperson explained that the arrest follows a Federal High Court order directing the commission to arrest the former minister after he allegedly failed to honor several summonses issued during the investigation.

“The commission assures the public that this matter will be diligently pursued in accordance with the law,” the statement read.

The ICPC said the investigation centers on allegations that Nnaji submitted forged academic credentials, including a degree certificate purportedly obtained from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a discharge certificate from the National Youth Service Corps during his ministerial selection in 2023.

The case arises from allegations that emerged after multiple investigations cast doubt on the authenticity of documents presented by the former minister.

The Federal High Court in Abuja had earlier authorized his arrest after the commission alleged that he had repeatedly ignored invitations to appear for questioning.

Although Nnaji challenged the arrest order at the Court of Appeal, the ICPC proceeded with his arrest after his arrival in Abuja on Wednesday.

The former minister has consistently denied any wrongdoing.

Nnaji resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet after allegations relating to his academic qualifications attracted public attention.

The latest development marks a significant step in the anti-corruption agency’s efforts to conclude its investigation into high-profile forgery allegations, with legal proceedings expected to continue after the pre-trial detention period expires.

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