EX-MINISTER UCHE NNAJI REPORTEDLY ARRESTED BY ICPC AT ENUGU AIRPORT

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has reportedly been arrested by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.

According to reports, the arrest was carried out in execution of a warrant earlier issued by the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of certificate forgery.

The court had reportedly granted the ICPC permission to arrest and declare the former minister wanted after he allegedly failed to honour several invitations extended to him by the anti-corruption agency in connection with its investigation.

Sources familiar with the matter said Nnaji was intercepted by ICPC operatives at the airport and subsequently taken into the commission's custody for further questioning.

The ICPC is investigating allegations that the former minister presented forged academic credentials, an allegation that could attract criminal prosecution if substantiated.

Nnaji has consistently denied any wrongdoing, maintaining that the allegations against him are false and politically motivated. He has insisted that his educational qualifications are genuine and that he would defend himself through the appropriate legal channels.

As of the time of filing this report, the ICPC had yet to issue an official statement confirming the arrest, while Nnaji's legal representatives had not commented on the latest development.

The reported arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation and is expected to pave the way for further legal proceedings, subject to the outcome of the commission's investigations and any subsequent court actions.

Under Nigerian law, allegations against a suspect remain unproven until established in court, and the former minister is presumed innocent unless convicted by a competent court.