“ICPC has secured a 14-day court remand warrant to detain former Minister Uche Nnaji over alleged certificate forgery as investigations continue“
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has secured a court-approved 14-day remand warrant to detain former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, as investigators intensify their probe into allegations that he forged academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) credentials.
The development comes a day after GMT News Nigeria reported Nnaji’s arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, where he was apprehended upon arrival from Enugu aboard a chartered flight before being handed over to the ICPC. The anti-graft agency has now obtained judicial approval to keep the former minister in custody for an initial 14 days to facilitate interrogation, with the possibility of seeking an extension if investigators require additional time.
According to the ICPC, the investigation centres on allegations that Nnaji submitted a forged degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), as well as a forged NYSC discharge certificate during his ministerial screening and confirmation process in 2023. The commission said the former minister repeatedly failed to honour several invitations issued to him for questioning, prompting it to obtain a Federal High Court order authorising his arrest before his eventual apprehension.
“The latest remand order marks a significant legal step in the ongoing case but does not amount to a finding of guilt“
ICPC spokesperson John Odey confirmed that the former minister remains in the commission’s custody while investigations continue. He stated that the agency is committed to pursuing the matter in accordance with the law and assured the public that due process would be followed throughout the investigation.
Nnaji, however, has consistently denied any wrongdoing. He has previously rejected claims that he ignored ICPC invitations and challenged reports suggesting he was evading arrest. The former minister also filed an appeal against the earlier arrest order issued by the Federal High Court, maintaining that the allegations against him are unfounded.
The latest remand order on Uche Nnaji marks a significant legal step in the ongoing case but does not amount to a finding of guilt. Under Nigerian law, the remand warrant authorises investigators to keep a suspect in custody while inquiries continue. He remains presumed innocent unless and until a competent court rules otherwise.
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