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) for further investigation over allegations linked to his tenure in office.
According to a report by the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), citing security sources, Nnaji was arrested on Wednesday morning at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu following a request from the ICPC, which is investigating petitions concerning the management of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology during his time as minister.
The report stated that after his arrest, the DSS transferred Nnaji to the ICPC, where he is expected to undergo further questioning as part of the commission’s ongoing investigation.
Sources familiar with the matter disclosed that the ICPC had previously issued several invitations to the former minister, but he allegedly failed to honour them. This reportedly prompted the anti-graft agency to seek the assistance of the DSS in effecting his arrest.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the DSS nor the ICPC had released an official statement regarding the arrest.
The investigation is said to stem from petitions alleging irregularities in the administration of the Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology during Nnaji’s tenure. However, the specific allegations have not been officially disclosed, and it remains unclear whether formal charges will be filed after the investigation.
Uche Nnaji has also been at the centre of controversy over the authenticity of his academic credentials. Previous reports alleged that the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) raised questions about documents he submitted during his ministerial confirmation process.
The former minister consistently denied the allegations, describing them as politically motivated.
In November 2025, Nnaji filed a lawsuit against the University of Nigeria, seeking an order compelling the institution to release his official academic transcript. He argued that the transcript would settle the controversy surrounding his educational qualifications. Since then, conflicting reports have emerged regarding the status of his academic records, while the matter remains before the court.
Nnaji served as Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology from August 2023 until his resignation in October 2025.
His resignation from the Federal Executive Council came amid allegations that he submitted forged academic certificates and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) documents during his ministerial screening.
At the time, he maintained that his decision to step down was not an admission of guilt but an effort to allow due process and ongoing legal proceedings to continue without interference.
The latest arrest marks a significant development in the ICPC’s investigation into allegations involving the former minister. The commission is empowered to investigate and prosecute cases relating to corruption, abuse of office, and other public sector offences.
However, it is important to note that Nnaji has not been convicted of any offence. Under Nigerian law, every suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Source: Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) / Security Sources.
