The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Monday arraigned former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of certificate forgery, false declarations and corruption.
Nnaji, 63, appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a six-count charge and pleaded not guilty to all the allegations.
According to the ICPC, the former minister allegedly received ₦29,578,466.67 in salaries and allowances between August 2023 and October 2025, which the commission claims constituted proceeds of unlawful acts under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The anti-graft agency also accused Nnaji of using his public office to obtain a corrupt advantage by receiving the same remuneration.
Four additional counts relate to the alleged forgery and use of false documents. The ICPC alleged that Nnaji presented a forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate during the documentation process for his ministerial appointment and also submitted a University of Nigeria, Nsukka degree certificate which the commission claims was false.
Following his plea, defence counsel, Chief Ogwu Onoja (SAN), applied for bail, a request the prosecution did not oppose.
Justice Abdulmalik granted the former minister bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety in like sum. The court ordered that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15 with a verifiable residence of at least four years and must provide proof of employment, including a letter of appointment and recent salary slips. The court also directed Nnaji to surrender his international passport and other travel documents.
The case was adjourned until September 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
Outside the courtroom, members of the civil society group Global Gender Safety and Moral Development called for a transparent prosecution, urging the authorities to ensure that justice is served in accordance with the rule of law.
The ICPC’s charges follow months of investigation into allegations that the former minister submitted forged academic credentials and made false declarations during his nomination and screening for ministerial office. Nnaji has consistently denied any wrongdoing.
