Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, was arraigned on Monday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of certificate forgery.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, filed a six-count charge against him. It accuses him of forging a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and an NYSC discharge certificate, which he submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023. The charges also include allegedly receiving about ₦29.5 million in salary and emoluments under false pretences, and money laundering.
Nnaji pleaded not guilty to all the counts. His counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Ogwu Onoja, told the court that a bail application had been filed. The prosecution said it was ready to proceed with three witnesses and did not oppose bail.
The court granted him bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety in like sum. The surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15, must have lived at the same address for at least four years, and must provide a letter of employment and payslips for the last three months. The court directed that the relevant authority verify the surety’s employment status. Nnaji was also ordered to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the court.
The matter was adjourned to September 21, 2026 for the commencement of trial.
Nnaji was arrested on July 1, 2026 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja after the ICPC executed a bench warrant issued by the court. The commission said it had earlier invited him through letters sent to his addresses in Abuja and Enugu, and via email, but he did not honour the invitations.
The former minister resigned in October 2025 following reports that questioned his academic credentials. He said at the time that his resignation was not an admission of guilt, but a decision to respect due process. He also accused political opponents of sponsoring what he called a sustained campaign of falsehood.
