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Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Uche Nnaji pleaded not guilty to six-count charges of forging academic credentials and money laundering before the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Uche Nnaji was arraigned on Monday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The court heard that Nnaji allegedly forged a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, which he submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023.

The charges further cover claims of receiving approximately ₦29.5 million in salary and emoluments under false pretences, as well as money laundering allegations.

Nnaji's counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Ogwu Onoja, told the court that he had filed a motion for bail, which was granted by Justice Abdulmalik in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety in like sum.

The surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15 and must have maintained a fixed place of residence for at least four years. The surety must submit evidence of employment, including a letter of employment, and provide salary slips for the last three months.

The court directed that the relevant authority be notified to verify the surety’s employment status.

The defendant was also ordered to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the court.

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

Uche Nnaji, 62, was appointed as the Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology in 2023 by President Bola Tinubu. He was a prominent figure in the Nigerian politics for over two decades.

The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), where Nnaji allegedly forged his degree certificate, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in West Africa. The university was established in 1955 and is known for its academic excellence and research output.

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) is a mandatory one-year service program for all Nigerian graduates. The program aims to promote national unity and integration among Nigerian youth.

Uche Nnaji is the second former minister to be arraigned on corruption charges this year. The first was a former Minister of Transportation, who was arraigned in March on charges of misappropriation of funds.

The former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology allegedly received approximately ₦29.5 million in salary and emoluments under false pretences. The money was paid to him by the Federal Government between 2023 and 2026.

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

The ICPC is the lead agency responsible for investigating and prosecuting corruption cases in Nigeria.

The court ordered Nnaji to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the court.

The prosecution said they were ready to proceed with the trial and had three witnesses.

The ICPC alleged that Nnaji submitted fake academic credentials to the Senate during his ministerial screening in 2023. The charges also cover money laundering allegations.

The court granted Nnaji bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety in like sum.

Nnaji's counsel, Ogwu Onoja, told the court that he had filed a motion for bail, which was granted by Justice Abdulmalik.

Key Facts

  • Nnaji allegedly forged a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.
  • The charges further cover claims of receiving approximately ₦29.5 million in salary and emoluments under false pretences, as well as money laundering allegations.
  • Nnaji's counsel filed a motion for bail, which was granted by Justice Abdulmalik in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety in like sum.
  • The surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15 and must have maintained a fixed place of residence for at least four years.
  • The surety must submit evidence of employment, including a letter of employment, and provide salary slips for the last three months.
  • The court directed that the relevant authority be notified to verify the surety’s employment status.