Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a six-count charge bordering on alleged certificate forgery, money laundering and obtaining salaries under false pretences.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) brought the charges before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, alleging that Nnaji forged a degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, which were allegedly submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023.
The anti-graft agency also accused the former minister of unlawfully receiving about ₦29.5 million in salaries and allowances while serving in office.
When the six-count charge, marked ABJ/CR/38902026, was read in court, Nnaji pleaded not guilty to all the allegations.
Following his plea, his counsel, Chief Ogwu Onoja (SAN), informed the court that a bail application had already been filed.
Counsel to the ICPC, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, told the court that the prosecution was prepared to commence trial with three witnesses but did not oppose the bail application, leaving the decision to the court.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently granted the defendant 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 proof of employment, including a letter of appointment and salary slips for the last three months, while the relevant authority must verify the employment status.
In addition, the judge ordered Nnaji to surrender his international passport and all other travel documents to the court pending the determination of the case.
The matter was adjourned until September 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.