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

According to security sources, the apprehension occurred in the early hours of Wednesday as Nnaji was preparing to board a private flight to Abuja. The DSS reportedly executed the arrest following a formal request from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which is currently investigating the former minister over allegations of financial and administrative irregularities. Following his detention, Nnaji was transferred to the custody of the ICPC for interrogation.

Sources within the anti-graft agency indicated that the arrest became necessary after Nnaji repeatedly failed to honor official invitations. The ICPC had previously summoned the former minister to respond to petitions regarding the management of the Ministry of Science and Technology during his tenure.

Nnaji, who resigned from his ministerial position in October last year amid widespread public scrutiny, has not yet issued a statement regarding the development.

At the time of reporting, neither the DSS nor the ICPC had released an official statement concerning the arrest, and efforts to reach ICPC spokesperson John Odeh for comment were unsuccessful.