Ex-Minister Uche Nnaji Arraigned Over Alleged Certificate Forgery, Gets ₦20m Bail

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 on a six-count charge bordering on alleged certificate forgery, making false declarations and corruption.

‎Nnaji, 63, appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik and pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

‎According to the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/391/2026, the ICPC alleged that between August 2023 and October 2025, while serving as minister, Nnaji received ₦29.58 million in salaries and allowances through his Fidelity Bank account, describing the funds as proceeds of unlawful acts in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

‎The anti-graft agency also accused the former minister of abusing his office by conferring a corrupt advantage on himself through the receipt of the same salaries and allowances, contrary to the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

‎The remaining four counts relate to the alleged forgery and use of false documents.

‎The commission alleged that Nnaji knowingly submitted a forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate, numbered A231309, to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation during his documentation for ministerial appointment.

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‎It further alleged that he presented a purported degree certificate in Microbiology/Biochemistry from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, bearing Certificate No. 004501, despite allegedly knowing it was false.

According to the prosecution, the former minister also made and used both the NYSC and university certificates as genuine, contrary to Sections 363 and 364 of the Penal Code.

Following his plea, defence counsel, Chief Ogwu Onoja (SAN), applied for bail, while ICPC counsel, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, informed the court that the prosecution was ready to commence trial with three witnesses. He, however, did not oppose the bail application.

In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik granted Nnaji 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 fixed residence of at least four years. The surety is also required to provide evidence of employment, including a letter of appointment and salary slips for the last three months, while the relevant government authority is to verify the employment status.

‎Justice Abdulmalik further directed the former minister to deposit his international passport and all other travel documents with the court.

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

‎Meanwhile, a civil society organisation, Global Gender Safety and Moral Development, staged a protest outside the Federal High Court, calling for a transparent prosecution of the case.

‎Speaking to journalists, the group’s convener, Shuaibu Abdulkadir, urged the Attorney General of the Federation and the ICPC to discharge their constitutional responsibilities without fear or favour, stressing that justice must be served to safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s educational institutions.

‎The charges follow months of investigation into allegations that Nnaji forged academic credentials and made false declarations in documents submitted during his nomination and screening for ministerial appointment.

‎The ICPC had earlier secured a remand order after alleging that the former minister repeatedly failed to honour invitations during the investigation. Nnaji subsequently challenged the court order authorising his arrest and has consistently denied all allegations.

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