ICPC Details Allegations Against Former Minister Geoffrey Nnaji Over UNN, NYSC Certificates

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, is under investigation over allegations of submitting forged academic and NYSC certificates.

According to the Commission, the former minister allegedly presented a fake degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), alongside a false National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate during his ministerial screening exercise in 2023.

The ICPC stated that the case is focused on the authenticity of the credentials that facilitated Nnaji’s appointment into the Federal Executive Council.

In a statement signed by the agency’s Head of Media and Public Communications, John Okor Odey, the Commission said Nnaji was arrested on Wednesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja immediately after arriving in the country.

The statement noted that operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) assisted in carrying out the arrest after a Federal High Court warrant was secured.

“The arrest was effected on Wednesday, 1st July 2026 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon Mr. Nnaji’s arrival.

“He was apprehended with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS) and subsequently handed over to the ICPC for further investigation,” the Commission stated.

The ICPC explained that it had earlier invited the former minister for questioning through an official letter dated May 15, 2026.

It added that the invitation was delivered through multiple channels, including addresses linked to him in Abuja and Enugu, as well as via email.

“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 statement added.

The anti-graft agency said the Federal High Court in Abuja later approved its request for an arrest warrant in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026 on June 11, 2026.

According to ICPC, investigators are examining allegations involving:

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

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

The Commission confirmed that Nnaji is currently being held at its Abuja headquarters while investigations continue.

It, however, emphasized that the former minister has not been convicted by any court and should be regarded as innocent unless proven guilty.

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