ICPC confirms arrests ex-Science Minister Geoffrey Nnaji over alleged forgery, fake NYSC certificate

By Johnson Arua

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has confirmed the arrest of the immediate past Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, over allegations of forgery and the submission of a false National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.

The former minister was arrested on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon his arrival in the country.

The operation was carried out with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS), after which he was handed over to the ICPC for further investigation.

According to the anti-corruption agency, the arrest followed the execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court after Nnaji allegedly failed to honour several invitations for investigative interviews.

The Commission said it had earlier invited the former minister through a letter dated May 15, 2026, which was served at his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as through his email.

However, he reportedly did not appear before investigators on the scheduled dates.

The ICPC subsequently approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, which, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026, granted an order on June 11, 2026, authorising his arrest.

The Commission said the investigation centres on allegations that Nnaji forged an academic degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and presented a false NYSC discharge certificate during his ministerial screening in 2023.

Following his arrest, Nnaji was taken into custody at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, where investigations are ongoing.

The Commission reiterated its commitment to conducting a thorough investigation and assured the public that the case would be handled in accordance with the law.