Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge bordering on alleged certificate forgery, obtaining salaries under false pretences, and money laundering.
Nnaji was arraigned on Monday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
According to the charges, the former minister is accused of forging 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 allegations that he fraudulently received about ₦29.5 million in salaries and emoluments under false pretences, as well as money laundering offences.
Following his plea, his counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Ogwu Onoja, informed the court that he had filed an application seeking bail for his client.
Counsel for the prosecution told the court that the ICPC was ready to commence trial and had three witnesses prepared to testify. The prosecution also raised no objection to the bail application, stating that the decision was entirely at the discretion of 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, who has maintained a fixed residence for at least four years. The surety is also required to provide evidence of employment, including a letter of appointment and salary slips covering the last three months.
The judge further directed that the relevant authority verify the surety’s employment status.
In addition, Nnaji was ordered to deposit his international passport and all other travel documents with the court.
The case was adjourned until September 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
On July 1, 2026, the ICPC confirmed Nnaji’s arrest over allegations of certificate forgery.
In a statement, the Commission’s Head of Media and Public Communications, Okor Odey, said the former minister was arrested following the execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court.
“The arrest was effected on Wednesday, 1st July 2026 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon Mr. Nnaji’s arrival. He was apprehended with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS) and subsequently handed over to the ICPC for further investigation,” the statement read.
According to the anti-graft agency, the ICPC had earlier invited Nnaji through a letter referenced ICPC/HC/CSTF/GUN/GBT/T.1/VOLV16 dated May 15, 2026.
The commission said the invitation was served to his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as through his email address.
“Despite service through multiple channels, Mr. Nnaji failed to appear for investigative interviews on the scheduled dates, necessitating further legal action,” the commission stated.
The ICPC explained that the legal action followed a court order granted by the Federal High Court, Abuja Judicial Division, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026.
According to the commission, the order, issued on June 11, 2026, authorised Nnaji’s arrest to facilitate investigations into allegations bordering on the forgery of academic credentials, specifically a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and a false NYSC discharge certificate allegedly submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023.
Following his arrest, the former minister was taken into custody at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, where investigations continued. The commission assured the public that the case would be diligently pursued in accordance with the law.
Nnaji resigned as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology in October 2025 after reports alleged that he forged both his NYSC discharge certificate and his university degree certificate.
While maintaining that he graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1975, reports claimed the institution could not verify his academic records.
Responding to the allegations at the time, Nnaji insisted that his resignation was not an admission of guilt.
“My decision to step aside is, therefore, a personal choice not an admission of guilt, but rather a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court. In the end, justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just,” he said in a statement announcing his resignation.
He also accused his political opponents of orchestrating what he described as a sustained campaign of falsehood against him.
“Over the past week, an orchestrated and sustained campaign of falsehoods, politically motivated and malicious attacks have been waged against my person, integrity, and office across print, electronic, and social media platforms,” he said.
“These unfounded allegations and media distortions have not only caused personal distress but have also begun to distract from the vital work of the Ministry and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.”
