Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has been arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged certificate forgery.
Security sources disclosed that Nnaji was arrested on Wednesday morning at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu while preparing to board a private jet to Abuja. The arrest was reportedly carried out at the request of the ICPC, which is investigating allegations that the former minister forged academic certificates.
After taking him into custody, the DSS transferred Nnaji to the ICPC for further investigation.
According to sources familiar with the case, the anti-corruption agency had previously invited the former minister several times in response to petitions relating to the administration of the ministry during his tenure. However, after he allegedly failed to honour the invitations, the ICPC sought the assistance of the DSS to effect his arrest.
Nnaji resigned from office in October 2025 after allegations surfaced that he forged his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) credentials. While the claims attracted widespread public attention, the ICPC has not publicly disclosed the full scope of the allegations currently under investigation.
The commission had reportedly been investigating the former minister since his resignation, following findings that allegedly linked him to forged academic credentials.
President Bola Tinubu appointed Nnaji as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology on August 16, 2023. He resigned on October 7, 2025, amid the controversy surrounding the alleged forgery of his NYSC documents.
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