Alleged certificate forgery: Former Minister Uche Nnaji arraigned in court, granted N20m bail

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) today arraigned former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja on a six-count charge bordering on alleged certificate forgery, money laundering and obtaining salaries under false pretences.

The anti-corruption agency accused the former minister of forging a degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate allegedly submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023.

The ICPC also alleged that Nnaji unlawfully received about N29.5 million in salaries and allowances while serving as minister.

When the charges, marked ABJ/CR/38902026, were read to him, Nnaji pleaded not guilty.

Following his plea, his counsel, Chief Ogwu Onoja (SAN), informed the court that a bail application had already been filed.

Counsel to the ICPC, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, said the prosecution was ready to commence trial with three witnesses but did not oppose the bail application, leaving the decision to the court.

Justice Abdulmalik granted Nnaji bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety in like sum.

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 must also provide evidence of employment, including a letter of appointment and salary slips for the last three months, while the relevant authority is to verify the employment status.

The judge further ordered Nnaji to surrender his international passport and other travel documents to the court.

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