The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has obtained a warrant for the arrest of a former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, over alleged certificate forgery.
The warrant was granted by a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Thursday following an ex parte application filed by the anti-corruption agency in suit number FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026.
Kano Times reports that Nnaji was appointed minister by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August 2023 but later resigned from office amid allegations that he forged academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates submitted during his ministerial screening and confirmation.
The ICPC, through its counsel, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, told the court that the application became necessary after the former minister allegedly failed to honour several invitations extended to him by the commission in connection with the ongoing investigation.
According to the anti-graft agency, its ex parte motion, dated June 3 and filed on June 4, was supported by an affidavit deposed to by one David Nelson.
The commission urged the court to grant an order allowing it to declare Nnaji wanted through national newspapers, social media platforms, and other communication channels for allegedly refusing to appear before investigators.
The ICPC also sought an order authorising its operatives and other law enforcement agencies to arrest the former minister wherever he may be found and hand him over to the commission for investigation.
After hearing the application, the court granted all the reliefs sought by the commission.
The court further ruled that the orders would remain in force until the former minister is arrested.
Meanwhile, Nnaji recently emerged as the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State.
