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 allegations of certificate forgery, money laundering and obtaining public funds under false pretences.
Nnaji was brought before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a six-count charge filed by the anti-corruption agency, which accused him of presenting forged academic and service documents during his ministerial screening and subsequently receiving salaries and allowances unlawfully while serving in office.
According to the ICPC, the former minister allegedly forged a degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) as well as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, which he is said to have submitted during the ministerial screening process conducted in 2023.
The commission further alleged that, based on the purportedly forged documents, Nnaji was appointed and later received approximately N29.5 million in salaries, allowances and other entitlements while serving as a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
When the charges, marked ABJ/CR/3890/2026, were read in open court, Nnaji pleaded not guilty to all the counts.
Following the plea, his counsel, Chief Ogwu Onoja (SAN), informed the court that a formal application seeking bail for the defendant had already been filed and served on the prosecution.
Counsel to the ICPC, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, told the court that the commission was prepared to proceed with the trial and had three witnesses ready to testify. However, he stated that the prosecution was not opposing the bail application and would leave the decision entirely to the discretion of the court.
After hearing submissions from both parties, Justice Abdulmalik granted the former minister bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety in like amount.
The court also imposed several conditions for the bail. Justice Abdulmalik ruled that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15 and must have maintained a fixed and verifiable residence for at least four years.
In addition, the surety is required to provide evidence of employment, including an official letter of appointment and salary slips covering the previous three months. The court directed that the relevant government authority must verify the surety’s employment status before the bail conditions can be deemed fulfilled.
The judge further ordered Nnaji to deposit his international passport and all other travel documents with the court pending the determination of the case.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the matter until September 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The case is expected to attract significant public attention because it involves allegations that a former member of the Federal Executive Council used forged credentials to obtain public office and receive government remuneration.
Under Nigerian law, forgery of official documents, false declaration and the unlawful receipt of public funds are serious offences that can attract substantial penalties upon conviction.
The ICPC has not yet disclosed the full details of the evidence it intends to rely on during the trial, but the commission’s counsel indicated that witnesses and documentary exhibits would be presented before the court when proceedings resume in September.
Nnaji, who served as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology under the administration of President Bola Tinubu, is expected to remain on bail pending the conclusion of the trial.
