Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, allegedly ignored multiple invitations from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over an ongoing investigation into allegations of certificate forgery, according to a report by Premium Times.
The anti-graft agency is investigating claims that Nnaji submitted forged academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates during his ministerial screening process in 2023.
The investigation followed a two-year inquiry by Premium Times, which alleged that the former minister forged certificates purportedly obtained from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the NYSC.
The newspaper had earlier reported that the ICPC launched a manhunt for Nnaji after he allegedly failed to honour invitations from the commission.
It also reported that a Federal High Court in Abuja subsequently ordered the former minister’s arrest following his repeated failure to appear before investigators.
Before reports emerged about the court order, Nnaji had dismissed claims that the ICPC was investigating him and accused the Enugu State Government of sponsoring false reports against him.
“I have never seen a government in my life that everything is based on lies like the present government in Enugu State,” he said.
“They are either saying Nwakaibie has a certificate problem, or they say the ICPC has launched a manhunt for me. Is it not me here? Where is the ICPC?” he added.
However, documents cited by Premium Times showed that the ICPC formally invited the former minister for questioning.
According to the report, a letter dated May 15 and signed by the Head of the Chairman’s Special Task Force, Usman Ahmed, directed Nnaji to appear before investigators at the commission’s headquarters in Abuja.
“Pursuant to the provisions of Sections 28 of the aforementioned Act, you are requested to report for an interview… at the Commission’s Headquarters, Abuja on 20th May, 2026 by 10 a.m.,” the letter reportedly stated.
The report said the invitation was sent to the former minister through WhatsApp, email and text messages after efforts to locate his address proved unsuccessful.
According to the report, Nnaji did not appear on the scheduled date, prompting the ICPC to reschedule the interview for June 3.
“The invitation date has been rescheduled to Wednesday, 3rd June 2026, by 10 a.m. You are advised to honour this invitation in the interest of justice and fair hearing,” the commission reportedly told him.
The former minister also failed to honour the second invitation.
The newspaper further reported that the ICPC, dissatisfied with Nnaji’s repeated absence, approached the Federal High Court in Abuja, which subsequently ordered his arrest to facilitate an investigation into the allegations.
The anti-graft agency has yet to issue an official public statement on the outcome of the investigation, while Nnaji has continued to deny wrongdoing.
