Uche Nnaji Denies Arrest, Wanted Claims Over Alleged Certificate Forgery Probe

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has dismissed reports alleging that a Federal High Court ordered the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to declare him wanted and arrest him over allegations of certificate forgery.

Nnaji, through a statement signed by Dr. Robert Ngwu on his behalf, described the reports as false and misleading, insisting that neither he nor his legal team had received any invitation, summons, or communication from the anti-graft agency regarding the matter.

The former minister maintained that he has never gone into hiding and remains accessible to authorities, noting that his residences in Abuja and Enugu are publicly known.

According to the statement, reports suggesting that he was evading investigation were unfounded and intended to tarnish his reputation.

Nnaji also condemned what he described as a media trial over the allegations, warning against attempts to prejudice ongoing legal proceedings.

“No amount of pressure or political intimidation will deter, discourage or derail him from remaining focused,” the statement said.

The former minister further stated that issues relating to his academic records at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka remain the subject of litigation before a Federal High Court in Abuja and should therefore be allowed to run their course through the judicial process.

He urged the public to disregard reports of any court order directing the ICPC to declare him wanted or effect his arrest, insisting that due process must be followed in the handling of the matter.

The statement comes amid growing public interest in allegations surrounding the authenticity of Nnaji’s academic credentials, a matter that remains before the court. Neither the court nor the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission had publicly responded to the former minister’s claims as of the time of filing this report.