A 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 on Monday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The charges relate to allegations that Nnaji 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 charges also cover claims that he received approximately ₦29.5 million in salary and emoluments under false pretences, as well as money laundering allegations.
—Bail granted—
Shortly after taking his plea, his counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Ogwu Onoja, moved a bail application.
Counsel for the prosecution said the Commission was ready to proceed with trial and had three witnesses. He did not object to the bail application, stating it was at the discretion of the court.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently granted him bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety in like sum.
The court set the following conditions: the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15, must have maintained a fixed place of residence for at least four years, and must submit evidence of employment including a letter of employment and salary slips for the last three months.
The court directed that the relevant authority be notified to verify the surety’s employment status.
The defendant was also ordered to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the court.
The matter was adjourned until September 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
—Nnaji’s Arrest—
On July 1, the ICPC confirmed the arrest of Nnaji over the certificate forgery allegations.
In a statement, ICPC’s Head of Media and Public Communications, Okor Odey, said Nnaji was arrested “following the execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court of Nigeria.”
“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 Commission, formal invitations had earlier been sent to Nnaji via letter referenced ICPC/HC/CSTF/GUN/GBT/T.1/VOLV16, dated 15 May 2026, and served to his addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as by email.
“Despite service through multiple channels, Mr Nnaji failed to appear for investigative interviews on the scheduled dates, necessitating further legal action,” it said.
The action followed a court order granted by the Federal High Court in Abuja (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026) on 11 June 2026, directing the ICPC to arrest Nnaji for investigation into allegations bordering on forgery of academic credentials.
Following the arrest, the ex-minister was taken into custody at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja. The Commission assured the public that the matter would be pursued diligently in accordance with the law.
–‘Resignation “Not Admission of Guilt”—
Nnaji had resigned from his position in October 2025 following reports that he forged his NYSC discharge certificate and first degree certificate.
Although he maintains that he graduated from UNN in 1975, the institution reportedly could not verify his academic records.
In his resignation statement, Nnaji said stepping down was “not an admission of guilt” but “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 accused political opponents of waging “an orchestrated and sustained campaign of falsehoods, politically motivated and malicious attacks” against him.
“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,” he said.
