ABUJA — A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a warrant for the arrest of Uche Nnaji, Nigeria’s former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, amid an escalating investigation into alleged academic credential forgery.

The order, granted on Thursday, June 11, 2026, follows an ex parte motion filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The commission is investigating claims that Nnaji falsified his academic qualifications and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) documents, which were submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023.

Refusal to Cooperate

Counsel for the ICPC, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, informed the court that the arrest warrant became necessary after Nnaji repeatedly ignored official summons to appear before the commission for questioning.

The court granted the ICPC’s request in full, authorizing the commission to:

  • Declare the former minister wanted: Providing the green light to publish notices in national newspapers and across social media platforms.

  • Execute an arrest: Directing ICPC operatives, law enforcement agents, and private citizens to identify and detain Nnaji, immediately handing him over to the commission for interrogation.

The presiding judge ruled that the warrant will remain in effect until Nnaji is apprehended.

Political Implications

The legal development carries significant political weight, as Nnaji who resigned from his ministerial post following the initial outbreak of the forgery scandal has recently secured the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship ticket for the 2027 Enugu State election.

Nnaji’s legal team has yet to issue a formal response regarding the court’s order or the status of his candidacy. With the 2027 election cycle approaching, the case serves as a high-stakes test for the ICPC’s anti-corruption mandate and the vetting processes for public officeholders in Nigeria.