How, why we arrested ex-Minister with DSS — ICPC

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has revealed how and why it arrested the immediate past Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji (M), in an operation with the Department of State Services (DSS).

The Head of Media and Public Communications of the ICPC, John Okor Odey, revealed this in a statement issued on Wednesday.

The statement, hours after the arrest, said it followed the execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court of Nigeria.

According to Odey, the arrest of Nnaji was effected on July 1, 2026 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon his arrival. 

He was said to have flown into the nation’s capital on a private jet from his base in Enugu, the Enugu State capital.

Odey said he was apprehended with the assistance of the DSS and subsequently handed over to the ICPC for further investigation.

He added: 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 via 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 legal action followed a court order granted by the Federal High Court in the Abuja Judicial Division (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026). 

“The order, issued on 11 June 2026, directed the ICPC to arrest the former minister to enable investigation into allegations bordering on:

“1. Forgery of academic credentials, specifically concerning a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN); and

“2. False National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Discharge Certificate, which was submitted during his ministerial screening process in 2023.

“Following the arrest, Mr. Nnaji has been taken into custody at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, where investigations are expected to continue. 

“The Commission assures the public that the matter will be pursued diligently in accordance with the law.”