DSS arrests ex-minister Uche Nnaji

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A former Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, was on Wednesday arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu.

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Security sources said Nnaji was apprehended in the early hours of Wednesday while attempting to board a private jet bound for Abuja.

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According to the sources, the arrest was carried out by the DSS at the request of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, which is investigating the former minister over some allegations.

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The sources disclosed that following his arrest, Nnaji was handed over to the ICPC for further investigation.

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“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,” one of the sources said.

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The sources further revealed that the anti-graft agency had previously invited the former minister on several occasions in connection with petitions alleging irregularities in the management of the Ministry of Science and Technology during his tenure.

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“They had extended several invitations to him following petitions relating to the management of the ministry. When he failed to honour the invitations, the ICPC sought the assistance of the DSS to effect his arrest,” another source disclosed.

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Nnaji resigned as Minister of Science and Technology in October last year under circumstances that generated public attention.

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As of the time of filing this report, neither the DSS nor the ICPC had issued an official statement on the arrest, while the former minister had yet to comment on the allegations.

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Calls to the ICPC’s spokesman, John Odeh, were not picked up as of the time of filing this report.

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