Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, on Monday pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge filed against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), bordering on alleged certificate forgery, fraud and money laundering.
Nnaji was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja over accusations that he forged a degree certificate purportedly obtained from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), as well as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.
According to the anti-corruption agency, the former minister allegedly presented the disputed documents during his ministerial screening in 2023. The charges further accuse him of unlawfully receiving approximately ₦29.5 million in salaries and allowances under false pretences and engaging in money laundering activities.
When the charges were read in court, Nnaji entered a plea of not guilty to all counts.
Following the plea, the prosecution informed the court that it was prepared to open its case and had three witnesses available to testify. However, defence counsel, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), requested additional time to prepare for trial and also urged the court to consider a bail application filed on July 9, 2026.
The prosecution did not oppose the application.
In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik granted the former minister bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety in like amount. The court stipulated that the surety must be a Federal Civil Service officer not below Grade Level 15 and resident in Abuja.
The judge also ordered Nnaji to surrender both his official and international passports to the court pending the determination of the case.
The prosecution’s case follows months of investigation into the authenticity of Nnaji’s academic and NYSC credentials. The ICPC alleges that both the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the NYSC denied issuing the certificates presented by the former minister.
Nnaji was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) on June 30, 2026, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after arriving from Enugu.
His arrest came after a Federal High Court order issued on June 11, 2026, reportedly following his failure to honour several invitations from investigators.
The former minister resigned from office on October 7, 2025, stating that his decision was intended to protect the integrity of public office and allow due process to take its course.
Nnaji has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that he committed no wrongdoing and describing parts of the case as politically motivated.
He is also the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Enugu State.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the matter for further proceedings.