Operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu. The former minister has been handed over to the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The arrest took place on Wednesday morning. Security sources said the DSS acted on a request from the ICPC, which had been investigating petitions against Nnaji over how he managed his ministry.
DSS Arrests Former Science Minister Uche Nnaji
Nnaji resigned from his position last October under controversial circumstances. The ICPC had reportedly extended several invitations to him to answer questions regarding petitions received about the management of the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
When he failed to honour the invitations, the anti-graft agency contacted the DSS to assist in effecting his arrest. He was subsequently arrested at the Enugu airport and handed over to the ICPC for further investigation.
Background to the Arrest
The former minister’s resignation last year had already generated public interest. His arrest now adds another layer to the scrutiny surrounding his brief tenure at the ministry.
The ICPC is expected to question him on the allegations contained in the petitions. Details of the specific allegations have not been made public, but they relate to the management of the ministry during his time in office.
The development comes at a time when the federal government has been emphasising accountability and the fight against corruption. The coordinated action between the DSS and the ICPC suggests a formal investigation is underway.
Nnaji is yet to issue a statement on his arrest. The ICPC is also yet to release an official statement on the matter.
The case will likely attract significant public attention given Nnaji’s profile as a former minister and the circumstances surrounding his resignation.
