DSS Arrests Former Minister Uche Nnaji Over Fresh Corruption Probe
Fresh legal troubles have emerged for former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, after operatives of the Department of State Services arrested him over allegations linked to an ongoing corruption investigation.
The former minister was reportedly taken into custody by security operatives at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu while preparing to board a private jet to Abuja before he was later handed over to investigators for further questioning.
The arrest was said to have been carried out by the Department of State Services following a request from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission as part of an ongoing investigation into allegations surrounding his time in public office.
Sources close to the investigation said anti-corruption officials had earlier invited the former minister several times over petitions connected to activities during his tenure in office.
However, authorities reportedly moved in after he allegedly failed to honour repeated invitations issued by investigators handling the matter.
Security sources disclosed that the arrest took place in the early hours of Wednesday at the Enugu airport shortly before the former minister was expected to travel to Abuja.
Reports indicate that after taking him into custody, DSS operatives immediately transferred him to the ICPC for further investigation and possible legal action.
The former minister had resigned from office in October last year following controversies that attracted nationwide attention and sparked public debate around allegations surrounding his official records.
Investigators are reportedly examining allegations linked to certificate forgery and other petitions connected to his period in government service.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the DSS nor the ICPC had issued an official statement regarding the arrest, while the former minister has yet to publicly react to the development.
The latest development has now added another major twist to the growing controversy surrounding the former minister as authorities continue their investigation into the allegations.