Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested former Minister of Science and Technology, Geoffrey Uchechukwu Nnaji, at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu.

The arrest occurred on Wednesday morning as the former minister attempted to board a private jet to Abuja.

Security sources confirmed that Nnaji was taken into custody by DSS officers at the request of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of certificate forgery. He was subsequently handed over to the anti-graft agency.

The ICPC had reportedly extended several invitations to the former minister following petitions regarding his management of the ministry. When he failed to honour the invitations, the commission sought the assistance of the DSS to effect his arrest.

Nnaji resigned from his position as Minister last October under controversial circumstances.

Further details on the case are still emerging.

Former Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, was on Wednesday arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after arriving from Enugu aboard a chartered flight.

Authoritative airport sources confirmed the arrest, stating that Nnaji is expected to be handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) for interrogation.

The arrest follows an ongoing ICPC investigation into allegations that the former minister forged his academic certificates.

In mid-June, a Federal High Court in Abuja granted the anti-corruption agency leave to arrest Nnaji as part of its investigation into the alleged certificate forgery.

The court also authorised the commission to declare him wanted through national newspapers, social media platforms and other media channels.

(Vanguard News)

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will, on Thursday, send off Team Nigeria, ahead of the contingent’s departure to the United Kingdom for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland.

The send-off event, which will take place at the Presidential Villa, is part of the President’s show of support for the Nigerian contingent before they depart the shores of the nation to begin the final phase of preparations before the Games.

President Tinubu is expected to charge the athletes and officials to compete with honour and resilience for which Nigerians are renowned.

Nigeria is looking to build on its impressive outing at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, where the country emerged as the highest-ranked African nation on the medals table after winning 35 medals comprising 12 gold, 9 silver and 14 bronze.

Team Nigeria has been in camp in Abuja, where athletes have been undergoing intensive training in preparation for the Games. The contingent is scheduled to depart Nigeria on Friday for Aberdeen, Scotland, to undertake a three-week training camp before proceeding to Glasgow, the host city of the Games.

Nigeria will compete in 10 sports at the Commonwealth Games, with a contingent of 74 athletes expected to represent the country.

The 2026 Commonwealth Games will take place from July 23 to August 2, bringing together athletes from across the Commonwealth to compete for honours in various sporting events.

President Tinubu has previously expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to excel on the international stage and has constantly assured athletes of the Federal Government’s support at all times.