TDFormer Minister of Science and Technology, Geoffrey Uche Nnaji, popularly known as Uche Nnaji, was arrested on Wednesday morning by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.
According to security sources, the arrest was carried out at the request of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Following the arrest, the former minister was handed over to the anti-graft agency for further investigation.
ICPC Probe Linked to Petitions Against Nnaji
Sources familiar with the matter said the ICPC had previously invited Nnaji on several occasions in connection with some petitions.
The petitioners alleged irregularities in the management of the Ministry of Science and Technology during his tenure.
The invitations reportedly went unanswered, prompting the commission to seek the assistance of the DSS in effecting his arrest.
The allegations under investigation have not yet been detailed publicly by the anti-corruption agency.
Resigned Amid Certificate Controversy
Nnaji resigned as minister in October 2025.
His resignation followed a prolonged controversy over allegations that he submitted forged academic credentials during his appointment process in 2023.
The credentials included a degree purportedly obtained from the University of Nigeria and a forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate.
The allegations emerged after media investigations and generated widespread public attention.
The former minister consistently denied any wrongdoing.
He described the accusations as politically motivated and part of a campaign of blackmail against him.
Investigation on Nnaji Continues
The latest development signals continued collaboration between Nigeria’s security and anti-corruption agencies in pursuing investigations involving former public officials.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the DSS nor the ICPC had issued an official statement detailing the specific allegations under investigation.
The security agencies are also yet to clarify whether formal charges have been filed against the former minister.
