Ex-minister detained while attempting to board private jet to Abuja as anti-graft agency intensifies investigation into alleged irregularities in the Ministry of Science and Technology.
By Basil Ogbodo | July 1, 2026
ENUGU, NIGERIA — Operatives of Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) on Wednesday arrested former Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu in a dramatic operation linked to an ongoing corruption investigation by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The arrest, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, is believed to be part of an expanding anti-corruption investigation into allegations surrounding the administration of the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology during Nnaji’s tenure in office.
Multiple security sources familiar with the operation told A1NEWS International that the former minister was apprehended while preparing to board a private aircraft bound for Abuja before being transferred into the custody of the ICPC for questioning and further investigation.
Although the allegations against him have not yet been formally disclosed, investigators are reportedly examining petitions alleging financial and administrative irregularities during his stewardship of the ministry.
Arrest Executed at Airport Following ICPC Request
According to security sources, the Department of State Services acted on a formal request from the ICPC after the former minister allegedly failed to honour several invitations issued by the anti-graft agency.
One source familiar with the operation disclosed that DSS operatives intercepted Nnaji at the departure section of the Akanu Ibiam International Airport shortly before his scheduled flight.
“The DSS acted on the request of the ICPC. He was arrested at the Enugu airport while preparing to board a private jet to Abuja and has since been handed over to the commission,” the source said.
The coordinated operation underscores the growing collaboration between Nigeria’s intelligence and anti-corruption agencies in tracking public officials under investigation.
ICPC Investigating Petitions Over Ministry’s Management
Sources close to the investigation disclosed that the ICPC had received multiple petitions alleging irregularities in the management of the Ministry of Science and Technology during Nnaji’s period in office.
Although details of the petitions remain confidential, investigators are reportedly examining procurement processes, financial transactions and other administrative decisions taken while he served as minister.
According to another source, repeated invitations were sent to the former minister requesting his appearance before investigators.
When those invitations allegedly went unanswered, the commission sought the intervention of the DSS to facilitate his arrest.
If confirmed officially, the development reflects the increasing willingness of anti-corruption agencies to escalate enforcement measures where suspects fail to honour investigative invitations.
From Cabinet Exit to Criminal Investigation
Nnaji resigned from office in October 2025 under circumstances that attracted considerable public attention and political speculation.
While no official connection has yet been established between his resignation and the ongoing investigation, Wednesday’s arrest has renewed public interest in the events surrounding his departure from the Federal Executive Council.
Political observers note that the investigation comes amid heightened scrutiny of public sector accountability and increased pressure on anti-graft institutions to demonstrate independence and effectiveness.
Authorities Yet to Issue Official Statement
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Department of State Services nor the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission had released an official statement confirming the arrest or outlining the specific allegations under investigation.
Efforts to obtain official comments were unsuccessful.
Calls placed to the ICPC spokesperson, John Odeh, were not answered before publication.
Similarly, the former minister has yet to issue any public response regarding the allegations or the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
Legal Presumption Remains
Under Nigerian law, every person under criminal investigation is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
At this stage, the reported allegations remain under investigation, and no criminal charges have been publicly filed against the former minister.
Legal analysts say the next phase of the case is likely to determine whether investigators possess sufficient evidence to initiate formal prosecution or whether additional inquiries will be required.
Anti-Corruption Drive Under Renewed Spotlight
The arrest comes as Nigerian anti-corruption agencies continue to face increasing public expectations to investigate allegations involving both serving and former public officials without fear or favour.
Observers argue that the effectiveness of ongoing anti-graft efforts will ultimately depend not only on arrests but also on transparent investigations, adherence to due process and successful prosecution where evidence supports criminal liability.
For now, attention is focused on the ICPC, which is expected to determine the next legal steps following Nnaji’s transfer into its custody.
The arrest of former Science and Technology Minister Uche Nnaji marks another significant development in Nigeria’s anti-corruption landscape.
While authorities have yet to disclose the full scope of the investigation, the operation signals a more assertive collaboration between intelligence and anti-graft agencies in pursuing allegations of official misconduct.
As investigations continue, Nigerians will be watching closely for official disclosures, possible charges and the outcome of the ICPC’s inquiry, with the understanding that the former minister remains legally presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
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