From Dispatch Room
A Federal High Court in Abuja has reportedly ordered the arrest of former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, following an application by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in connection with an ongoing investigation into allegations of certificate forgery and related offences.
According to reports citing court documents, the court granted ICPC’s request for a bench warrant and also authorised the anti-graft agency to declare the former minister wanted through newspapers, social media platforms and other media channels if necessary. The order was reportedly issued in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026 and is said to remain in force until Nnaji is apprehended.
The development follows an investigation that has drawn national attention since questions were raised over academic and National Youth Service Corps credentials submitted by Nnaji during his ministerial screening and confirmation process in 2023. Premium Times previously reported that the ICPC had intensified efforts to locate the former minister after he allegedly failed to honour multiple invitations from investigators.
Court documents cited by legal news platform The Nigeria Lawyer reportedly indicate that the ICPC is investigating allegations of forgery, abuse of office and conferment of unfair advantage while Nnaji served in public office. The commission is expected to arraign him if and when he is taken into custody.
Reports have also referenced responses allegedly obtained from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, regarding the academic records at the centre of the controversy. However, the claims remain part of ongoing legal and investigative proceedings and have not yet been tested in a criminal trial.
Newspot Nigeria has reached out to the ICPC for official confirmation and comments regarding the reported court order, the status of the investigation and any planned enforcement action. As of the time of filing this report, the commission had not responded.
Nnaji, who previously served in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet, has not been convicted of any offence. The allegations against him remain subject to investigation and judicial determination.
— Newspot Nigeria
