ICPC Explains Arrest of Former Minister Geoffrey Nnaji
ICPC said Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji was arrested after a court-approved warrant linked to alleged academic and NYSC certificate forgery.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has explained that the arrest of former minister Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji followed the execution of a court-issued bench warrant.
In a statement signed by J. Okor Odey, the commission’s Head of Media and Public Communications, the ICPC said Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji was arrested on 1 July 2026 after arriving at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. The operation was carried out with support from the Department of State Services (DSS) before he was transferred to the anti-corruption agency.
According to the commission, it had previously invited Nnaji for questioning through a letter dated 15 May 2026. The invitation was delivered to his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as to his email address. However, the ICPC said he did not appear for the scheduled investigative interviews despite receiving the notices.
The commission stated that it later obtained an order from the Federal High Court in Abuja under Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026. The ruling, issued on 11 June 2026, authorised the ICPC to arrest the former minister to investigate allegations relating to academic certificate forgery.
According to the statement, the investigation concerns claims involving a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and an alleged false National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate submitted during Nnaji’s ministerial screening in 2023.
The ICPC confirmed that Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji is being held at its headquarters in Abuja, where investigations will continue.
“Following the arrest, Mr. Nnaji has been taken into custody at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, where investigations are expected to continue. The Commission assures the public that the matter will be pursued diligently in accordance with the law,” the statement read.
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