ICPC Confirms Former Minister Nnaji’s Arrest, Gives Reason

The Independent Corrupt Practices And Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), has confirmed the arrest of the immediate past Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji.

According to a statement on Wednesday by the Commission, Nnaji was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS).

The ICPC explained that the former Minister was arrested based on a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court after ignoring several invitations to appear for investigative interviews.

The Commission confirmed that Nnaji is now in its custody for further investigation.

“ICPC has arrested the immediate past Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji (M), following the execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court of Nigeria.

“The arrest was effected on Wednesday, 1st July 2026 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon Mr. Nnaji’s arrival. He was apprehended with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS) and subsequently handed over to the ICPC for further investigation.

“The Commission had earlier extended formal invitations to the former minister through a letter referenced ICPC/HC/CSTF/GUN/GBT/T.1/VOLV16, dated 15 May 2026. The invitation notices were duly served to his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as his electronic mail address.

“Despite service through multiple channels, Mr. Nnaji failed to appear for investigative interviews on the scheduled dates, necessitating further legal action,” the statement read.

The ICPC had been on the trail of the former minister since he resigned from office last year following investigations into allegations that he forged his academic certificates.

Nnaji had earlier denied reports suggesting that a court ordered his arrest, insisting that he is neither in hiding nor evading law enforcement authorities.

Nnaji’s denial followed a recent publication by Premium Times on an alleged court order linked to an investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).