THE Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge bordering on alleged certificate forgery, obtaining money under false pretences, and money laundering.
Nnaji was arraigned today 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 presenting forged academic credentials during his ministerial screening in 2023, including a degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.
The prosecution also alleges that in addition to facing money laundering charges, Nnaji unlawfully received about ₦29.5 million in salaries and other emoluments under false pretences.
Following his plea, his counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Ogwu Onoja, applied for bail. The prosecution informed the court that it had no objection to the application and was prepared to proceed with the trial, stating that three witnesses were available.
Justice Abdulmalik granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety in the same amount.
The court ruled that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15, have maintained a fixed residence for at least four years, and provide proof of employment, including an employment letter and salary slips covering the previous three months. The relevant government authority was also directed to verify the surety’s employment status.
In addition, Nnaji was ordered to surrender his international passport and any other travel documents to the court.
The case was adjourned until September 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
Background to the Case
The ICPC confirmed Nnaji’s arrest on July 1, 2026, stating that he was apprehended at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja upon his arrival in the country.
According to the anti-corruption agency, the arrest followed the execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court after the former minister allegedly failed to honour multiple invitations for questioning over the allegations.
The commission said the invitations had been delivered to his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as through his email, but he did not appear for the scheduled investigative interviews.
The court order authorising his arrest was issued on June 11, 2026, to enable the ICPC investigate allegations that he submitted forged academic credentials—including a UNN degree certificate and an NYSC discharge certificate—during his ministerial screening.
Resignation and Response
Nnaji resigned as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology in October 2025, following public allegations surrounding the authenticity of his academic qualifications.
At the time, he insisted that his resignation was not an admission of guilt, describing it instead as a decision taken to preserve the integrity of the judicial process.
He maintained that he graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1975, despite reports claiming the institution could not verify his academic records.
The former minister also alleged that the accusations against him were part of a politically motivated campaign aimed at damaging his reputation, expressing confidence that the court process would ultimately clear his name.
