Former Minister Uche Nnaji Arrested

July 1 () — Former Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, was arrested by security operatives at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Wednesday, shortly after arriving from Enugu aboard a chartered flight.

Sources familiar with the development said the former minister was taken into custody immediately after his arrival and is expected to be handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for further investigation.

Although details of the arrest are sketchy, reports that the action may not be unconnected to an order granted by the Federal High Court in Abuja in mid-June authorising the ICPC to arrest Nnaji as part of its investigation into allegations that he forged academic certificates.

The court also authorised the anti-graft agency to declare the former minister wanted through national newspapers, social media platforms and other media channels after the commission alleged that he repeatedly failed to honour invitations for questioning.

According to court filings, the ICPC sought the ex parte order after several attempts to secure Nnaji’s appearance for what it described as “investigative activities” proved unsuccessful. The commission told the court that repeated efforts to secure his attendance failed, leaving it with no option but to seek judicial approval for his arrest and public declaration as a wanted person.

Wednesday’s arrest marks the latest development in a case that has trailed the former minister since he resigned from President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet on October 7, 2025.

Nnaji stepped down following allegations questioning the authenticity of his academic credentials. However, he consistently denied the claims, describing them as “a sustained campaign of falsehood, politically motivated and malicious attacks” aimed at tarnishing his integrity and distracting the ministry from its mandate.

“These unfounded allegations and media distortions have not only caused personal distress but have also begun to distract from the vital work of the ministry and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President”, he said in his resignation statement.

Appointed Minister of Science and Technology in August 2023, the Enugu-born politician said his career spanning more than five decades had been built on “hard work, honour and service to humanity.”

He maintained that his resignation was not an admission of guilt but a principled decision to allow due process to take its course.

“My decision to step aside is a personal choice—not an admission of guilt, but a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process. In the end, justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just”, he stated.

As of the time of filing this report, neither Nnaji nor the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had issued an official statement confirming the arrest or commenting on the development.