Former Minister Uche Nnaji Pleads Not Guilty To Certificate Forgery

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge bordering on alleged certificate forgery, false declaration, obtaining public funds 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).

According to the anti-graft agency, the former minister is accused of submitting forged academic credentials, including a degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate during his ministerial screening in 2023.

The charges also include allegations that he fraudulently received about ₦29.5 million in salaries and allowances while serving in office, alongside money laundering-related offences.

Shortly after the charges were read, Nnaji entered a not guilty plea to all six counts.

Following his plea, his lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Ogwu Onoja, informed the court that a bail application had already been filed on his client’s behalf.

Counsel to the ICPC told the court that the prosecution was prepared to begin trial and had three witnesses lined up. However, the commission did not oppose the bail request, leaving the decision entirely to the court.

Justice Abdulmalik subsequently granted Nnaji bail in the sum of ₦20 million, with one surety in like amount.

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 an employment letter and salary slips covering the last three months.

In addition, the court directed that the appropriate government authority verify the surety’s employment status.

Justice Abdulmalik further ordered the former minister to surrender his international passport and all other travel documents to the court pending the conclusion of the case.

The matter was adjourned until September 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

ICPC Arrested Nnaji Following Court Order

The arraignment comes weeks after the ICPC confirmed Nnaji’s arrest over allegations of certificate forgery.

According to the commission, the former minister was arrested on July 1, 2026, after a Federal High Court issued a bench warrant authorising his arrest.

The ICPC said Nnaji was apprehended at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon his arrival in Nigeria, with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS).

In a statement, ICPC spokesperson Okor Odey explained that the commission had previously invited Nnaji for questioning through a formal letter referenced ICPC/HC/CSTF/GUN/GBT/T.1/VOLV16, dated 15 May 2026.

The invitations, according to the commission, were delivered to his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as through his official email address.

Despite receiving the invitations through multiple channels, the ICPC said Nnaji failed to honour the scheduled investigative interviews.

“Despite service through multiple channels, Mr Nnaji failed to appear for investigative interviews on the scheduled dates, necessitating further legal action,” the commission stated.

The anti-corruption agency said it subsequently obtained an arrest warrant from the Federal High Court in Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026, issued on 11 June 2026.

According to the ICPC, the investigation focuses on allegations involving a forged University of Nigeria, Nsukka degree certificate and a false NYSC discharge certificate allegedly presented during the ministerial screening process in 2023.

The commission said investigations are continuing in line with the law.

Resignation Was ‘Not an Admission of Guilt’

Nnaji resigned as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology in October 2025, following reports alleging irregularities surrounding his academic credentials.

While maintaining that he graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1975, reports claimed the institution was unable to verify his academic records.

Responding to the allegations at the time, the former minister insisted that his resignation should not be interpreted as an admission of wrongdoing.

“My decision to step aside is, therefore, a personal choice not an admission of guilt, but rather 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 stated.

Nnaji also accused political opponents of orchestrating a campaign to damage his reputation.

“Over the past week, an orchestrated and sustained campaign of falsehoods, politically motivated and malicious attacks have been waged against my person, integrity, and office across print, electronic, and social media platforms,” he said.

“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.”

The trial is expected to begin in September, when the Federal High Court will hear evidence from both the prosecution and the defence over the allegations against the former minister.