By Peace Erewunmi

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, has reportedly been arrested by security operatives at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu while preparing to board a chartered flight to Abuja. Multiple media reports indicate that the arrest was carried out on Wednesday morning following ongoing investigations linked to allegations of certificate forgery and related offences.

Sources familiar with the development said the former minister was intercepted at the airport and subsequently taken into custody. Reports suggest that he is expected to be handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for further questioning.

The arrest follows earlier legal developments in June when a Federal High Court reportedly granted the ICPC a warrant to arrest Nnaji and authorized the anti-corruption agency to declare him wanted in connection with an ongoing investigation. Court documents indicated that the investigation relates to allegations including certificate forgery, abuse of office, and conferment of unfair advantage.

According to previous reports, the ICPC had claimed that Nnaji failed to honour multiple invitations issued as part of its investigation. The agency reportedly sought judicial approval to compel his appearance after repeated unsuccessful attempts to secure his cooperation.

The allegations stem from investigative reports that questioned the authenticity of academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) documents associated with the former minister. Nnaji has consistently denied wrongdoing and previously stated that he was neither under investigation nor evading any law-enforcement agency. His representatives described earlier reports about an arrest warrant as misleading and politically motivated.

Security agencies have not yet released a detailed official statement on the latest arrest, and formal charges have not been announced publicly. However, reports indicate that investigators are expected to continue questioning the former minister as part of the ongoing probe.

The development has generated significant public interest due to Nnaji’s former position in the Federal Executive Council and the broader implications of the allegations. Legal analysts note that the case will ultimately be determined by the courts, and the former minister remains entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty.