A former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has been arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of certificate forgery, false declarations and corruption.
Nnaji was brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Monday on a six-count charge. He pleaded not guilty when the charges were read in court.
According to the ICPC, the charges stem from allegations that the former minister received ₦29.58 million in salaries and allowances during his tenure, which the commission alleges were proceeds of unlawful acts. Prosecutors also accused him of using his office to obtain a corrupt advantage by receiving the payments.
The commission further alleged that Nnaji submitted forged academic credentials, including a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate and a degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, during the documentation process for his ministerial appointment. The prosecution also accused him of knowingly presenting the documents as genuine.
Following his plea, the defence applied for bail, which was not opposed by the prosecution. Justice Abdulmalik subsequently admitted the former minister to bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety in like amount.
The court directed that the surety must be a federal civil servant of at least Grade Level 15, provide evidence of employment and recent salary slips, and have maintained a fixed residence for no fewer than four years. Nnaji was also ordered to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the court.
The trial has been scheduled to commence on September 21, 2026.
Meanwhile, a civil society organisation, Global Gender Safety and Moral Development, staged a peaceful protest outside the court, urging the authorities to pursue the case diligently and ensure that the judicial process is conducted fairly and in accordance with the law.
The ICPC said its charges followed months of investigation into allegations surrounding documents submitted by the former minister during his nomination and screening process. Nnaji has denied all allegations and is expected to defend himself during the trial.