The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Monday arraigned a former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of certificate forgery, false declaration, corruption and money laundering.
Nnaji, 63, appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a six-count charge filed by the anti-graft agency.
When the charges were read in court, the former minister pleaded not guilty to all the allegations levelled against him.
According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/391/2026, the ICPC alleged that between August 2023 and October 2025, while serving as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Nnaji received ₦29,578,466.67 through his Fidelity Bank account as salaries and allowances.
The commission alleged that the funds represented proceeds of unlawful acts, contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In the second count, the ICPC accused the former minister of using his official position to secure a corrupt benefit for himself by receiving the same amount as salaries and allowances, an offence the commission said contravenes the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The remaining four counts relate to allegations of certificate forgery and the submission of false documents during his appointment process.
The commission alleged that Nnaji knowingly presented a forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate bearing number A231309 to the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation as part of the documentation process for his ministerial appointment.
ICPC also alleged that he submitted a purported degree certificate in Microbiology/Biochemistry from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), with Certificate Number 004501, despite allegedly knowing that the document was false.
The prosecution further accused the former minister of making and using both the NYSC certificate and the UNN degree certificate as genuine documents while allegedly being aware that they were forged.
According to the commission, the offences contravene Sections 363 and 364 of the Penal Code.
Following his plea, counsel to the defendant, Chief Ogwu Onoja (SAN), informed the court that an application seeking his client’s release on bail had already been filed.
Counsel representing the ICPC, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, told the court that the prosecution was fully prepared to proceed with the trial and had three witnesses available to testify.
However, he did not oppose the bail application, urging the court to exercise its discretion in determining the request.
In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik admitted Nnaji to bail in the sum of ₦20 million, with one surety in the same amount.
The court ruled that the surety must be a serving federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15 and must have maintained a fixed place of residence for at least four years.
The judge also directed that the surety provide proof of employment, including a letter of appointment and salary slips covering the last three months.
She further ordered that the relevant government authority verify the employment status of the proposed surety.
Justice Abdulmalik also directed the former minister to surrender his international passport and every other travel document in his possession to the court pending the conclusion of the case.
The matter was subsequently adjourned until September 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
Nnaji arrived at the Federal High Court ahead of the proceedings dressed in a white traditional outfit and a red cap.
He acknowledged supporters present in the courtroom before taking his seat for the hearing.
Meanwhile, members of a civil society organisation, Global Gender Safety and Moral Development, staged a protest outside the Federal High Court, calling for transparency and accountability in the prosecution of the case.
Addressing journalists, the group’s Convener, Shuaibu Abdulkadir, stressed that public office requires integrity, honesty and strict adherence to the rule of law.
He said, “Where criminal liability has been established through due process, the full weight of the law should be applied to protect the integrity of our educational institutions, including the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and the National Youth Service Corps.
“We urge the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, to continue discharging their constitutional responsibilities without fear or favour. Justice must prevail.”
The charges followed several months of investigations into allegations that the former minister forged academic credentials and made false declarations in documents allegedly submitted during his nomination and screening for ministerial appointment.
The ICPC had earlier secured a court order for Nnaji’s remand after informing the court that he repeatedly failed to honour invitations issued during the investigation.
The former minister later challenged the legality of the order authorising his arrest.
Throughout the investigation and his arraignment, Nnaji has consistently maintained his innocence and denied all allegations brought against him.
