Why we made public disgrace of Uche Nnaji at Abuja Airport - ICPC

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has disclosed why it chose to give Chief Uche Nnaji a public show of arrest at the Abuja airport on Wednesday.

This is as the commission said that it has obtained a-14 days warrant to keep Nnaji in its custody until it finishes investigation on the suspect, with a caveat that it may detain Nnaji longer than 14 days if the need arises.

According to the anti-graft agency, it arrested former Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology, in the open after he failed to honour multiple invitations for questioning and following a court order.

ICPC spokesman John Odey, in a statement, said there were two main reasons for Nnaji’s detention: 

1. Failure to honour invitations:

The commission sent formal invitations to Nnaji through a letter referenced ICPC/HC/CSTF/GUN/GBT/T.1/VOLV16, dated May 15, 2026. The notices were served to his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu and via email. Odey said Nnaji did not appear for scheduled investigative interviews. 

2. Court-ordered arrest:

After Nnaji failed to respond, the ICPC approached the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026. On June 11, 2026, the court granted an order directing the commission to arrest the former minister to enable investigation.

Allegations under probe: 

The investigation centers on alleged forgery of academic credentials. Specifically, the ICPC is probing a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a National Youth Service Corps Discharge Certificate that Nnaji submitted during his 2023 ministerial screening.

How the arrest happened: 

Odey said Nnaji was arrested on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon arrival. He was apprehended with the assistance of the Department of State Services and taken to ICPC headquarters.

The commission said Nnaji is in custody and investigations will continue. “The Commission assures the public that the matter will be pursued diligently in accordance with the law,” the statement read.