Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, on Monday pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge bordering on alleged certificate forgery, obtaining money under false pretences and money laundering before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Nnaji was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations that he forged a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023.
The anti-graft agency also accused the former minister of unlawfully receiving about ₦29.5 million in salaries and emoluments while allegedly presenting the disputed credentials.
Following his plea, his counsel, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), applied for bail.
Counsel to the ICPC informed the court that the prosecution was ready to commence trial and had three witnesses available. He, however, did not oppose the bail application, leaving the decision to the court.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently granted Nnaji bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety in like sum.
The court ruled that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15, must have maintained a fixed residence for at least four years, and provide evidence of employment, including a letter of appointment and salary slips for the last three months.
The judge also directed that the relevant authority verify the surety’s employment status.
In addition, Nnaji was ordered to surrender his international passport and all other travel documents to the court pending the determination of the case.
The matter was adjourned until September 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The arraignment comes weeks after the ICPC confirmed Nnaji’s arrest on July 1, 2026, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, following the execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court.
According to the commission, the former minister had earlier been invited for questioning through letters sent to his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as his email address, but allegedly failed to honour the invitations.
The ICPC said the court order authorising his arrest was granted to enable investigations into allegations that he submitted forged UNN degree and NYSC discharge certificates during his ministerial screening in 2023.
Nnaji resigned as minister in October 2025 after the allegations became public.
In a statement announcing his resignation, he maintained that stepping down was not an admission of guilt but a decision taken to protect the integrity of the judicial process.
He also denied the allegations and accused his political opponents of orchestrating a campaign of falsehood and misinformation against him.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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