By Paul Joseph
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged certificate forgery, false declaration and corruption-related offences.
Nnaji, 63, was brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Monday on a six-count charge. He pleaded not guilty to all the allegations.
According to the ICPC, the former minister allegedly received ₦29.58 million in salaries and allowances between August 2023 and October 2025 through his Fidelity Bank account. The commission alleged that the funds constituted proceeds of unlawful acts under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The anti-graft agency further accused Nnaji of abusing his office by collecting the salaries and allowances while also alleging that he presented forged academic credentials during the screening process for his ministerial appointment.
Specifically, the ICPC claimed he submitted a forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate and a false degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
After taking his plea, Justice Abdulmalik admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety in like amount.
The court ordered that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15 with at least four years of verified residence and must provide evidence of employment and recent salary slips.
Justice Abdulmalik also directed the former minister to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the court pending the determination of the case.
The matter was adjourned until September 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
Meanwhile, members of the civil society organisation, Global Gender Safety and Moral Development, staged a peaceful protest outside the court, calling for a transparent prosecution and urging the authorities to ensure justice is served.
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