Abuja — Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, on Monday pleaded not guilty to six counts of certificate forgery and related offences brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Nnaji was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations that he forged a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, which he allegedly submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023.
The charges also include accusations that he received approximately ₦29.5 million in salaries and emoluments under false pretences, as well as money laundering offences.
After entering his not guilty plea, the ICPC prosecutor informed the court of readiness to commence trial, noting that three witnesses were already present. Defence counsel, Ogwu Onoja, SAN, however, sought more time to prepare and drew the court’s attention to a pending bail application filed on July 9. The prosecution did not oppose the bail request.
In a brief ruling, Justice Abdulmalik granted the former minister bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety not below Grade Level 15 in the Federal Civil Service, who must reside in Abuja. Nnaji was also ordered to surrender both his official and personal passports.
The case stems from months of investigation into the authenticity of Nnaji’s academic and NYSC documents, with both UNN and the NYSC reportedly disowning the certificates in question.
Nnaji was arrested on June 30, 2026, by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja upon his return from Enugu. The arrest followed a Federal High Court order obtained on June 11 after he allegedly failed to honour several invitations for questioning.
He resigned from his ministerial position on October 7, 2025, describing the decision as a “principled” move to uphold due process while denying any wrongdoing. The Enugu politician, who is the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Enugu State, has previously described aspects of the case as politically motivated.
The court adjourned the matter to September 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
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