A former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge bordering on alleged forgery of academic credentials, false pretence 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 he forged a degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, which were allegedly submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023.
The former minister was also accused of receiving about ₦29.5 million in salaries and other official benefits under false pretences, as well as engaging in money laundering offences.
After entering his plea, Nnaji’s counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Ogwu Onoja, informed the court that he had filed a bail application on behalf of his client.
The prosecution told the court that it was ready to proceed with the trial and had three witnesses lined up. However, it did not oppose the bail request, leaving the decision to the discretion of the court.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently granted Nnaji bail in the sum of ₦20 million, with one surety in the same amount.
The court ruled that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15 and must have maintained a fixed residential address 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 previous three months. The court directed the relevant authorities to verify the surety’s employment status.
Nnaji was further ordered to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the court.
The case has been adjourned until September 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
