By Peace Udugba
Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, on Monday pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge bordering on alleged certificate forgery, corruption and money laundering before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Nnaji was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik over allegations that he presented forged academic credentials, including a University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) degree certificate and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate during his ministerial screening in 2023.
The anti-graft agency also alleged that the former minister unlawfully received about ₦29.5 million in salaries and allowances while serving in office and laundered the alleged proceeds.
When the six-count charge was read, Nnaji pleaded not guilty to all the allegations.
Following his plea, his counsel applied for bail, while the prosecution informed the court that it was ready to commence trial and had witnesses available.
Justice Abdulmalik granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety in like sum.
The court ruled that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15 with verifiable employment and residence.
The judge also directed Nnaji 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.
Outside the courtroom, members of the Global Gender Safety and Moral Development staged a peaceful protest, demanding justice in the alleged certificate forgery case.
The protesters carried placards urging the judiciary to ensure accountability and a fair, transparent trial.
The arraignment follows months of investigation by the ICPC into allegations that Nnaji submitted forged academic credentials to secure his appointment as a minister in 2023.
The commission had earlier secured a court-issued bench warrant before taking the former minister into custody after he allegedly failed to honour invitations for questioning.
The trial is expected to determine the veracity of the allegations and the criminal liability of the former minister.
