The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has obtained a Federal High Court order permitting it to detain former Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, for an initial period of 14 days as part of ongoing investigations into alleged certificate forgery.

According to information from the commission, the detention order is to allow proper interrogation and further probing into allegations that the former minister submitted fake academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) credentials during his ministerial screening in 2023.

Reports indicate that Nnaji was arrested on Wednesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja shortly after arriving from Enugu on a chartered flight.

He was immediately taken into custody with the assistance of operatives of the State Security Service before being transferred to the ICPC headquarters for questioning.The commission confirmed his arrest and stated that it followed repeated failure by the former minister to honour invitations for questioning.

Investigators are examining claims that Nnaji allegedly forged a University of Nigeria, Nsukka degree certificate as well as an NYSC discharge certificate.Both institutions are reported to have denied issuing the documents linked to him, according to earlier findings referenced in the investigation.Although the former minister has consistently denied any wrongdoing, he resigned from office after the allegations surfaced publicly.The ICPC has assured the public that the matter will be handled in line with the law and that investigations will continue diligently.

The case has also drawn attention due to Nnaji’s political background, including his participation in the 2023 Enugu governorship race under the APC and later political realignments ahead of the 2027 elections.Authorities say further developments will depend on the outcome of ongoing interrogation and evidence review.