By SUNTV Global Channel
July 13, 2026
Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has pleaded not guilty to six criminal charges 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).
The anti-corruption agency accused the former minister of allegedly forging a degree certificate said to have been issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), as well as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate reportedly submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023.
The ICPC also alleged that Nnaji unlawfully received about ₦29.5 million in salaries and official benefits through false representation, alongside the money laundering allegations.
When the charges were read in court, the former minister pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Following the plea, his lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ogwu Onoja, informed the court that an application had been filed seeking bail for his client pending the conclusion of the trial.
The prosecution told the court that it was prepared to begin the trial and had three witnesses ready to testify, but did not oppose the bail application.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently granted Nnaji bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety of the same amount.
The court ruled that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15, with a verified place of residence for at least four years. The surety is also required to provide proof of employment, appointment letter and recent salary records.
The court further ordered Nnaji to surrender his international passport and any other travel documents pending the determination of the case.
The matter was adjourned until September 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The arraignment followed the former minister’s arrest by the ICPC over allegations relating to the authenticity of his academic credentials. Nnaji had earlier resigned from his ministerial position in October 2025 after questions were raised regarding his university degree and NYSC certificate.
While announcing his resignation, the former minister maintained that stepping down from office was not an admission of wrongdoing.
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