Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, on Monday pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge bordering on alleged certificate forgery, obtaining by false pretence and money laundering before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Nnaji was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik over allegations that he forged a degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate used during his ministerial screening in 2023.
The anti-graft agency also accused the former minister of unlawfully receiving about N29.5m in salaries and other emoluments, in addition to money laundering-related offences.
Following the defendant's plea, the prosecution informed the court that it was ready to commence trial and had three witnesses present to testify.
Counsel to the defendant, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), however, requested more time to prepare his defence and urged the court to hear a pending bail application filed on July 9. The prosecution did not oppose the request.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently admitted Nnaji to bail in the sum of N20m with one surety, who must be a Federal Civil Service officer not below Grade Level 15 and resident in Abuja.
The court also directed the former minister to surrender both his official and international passports as part of the bail conditions.
The prosecution followed months of investigations into the authenticity of the defendant's academic and NYSC credentials, with the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the NYSC reportedly disclaiming the certificates presented by him.
Nnaji was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services on June 30, 2026, at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon his arrival from Enugu.
The arrest came after a Federal High Court reportedly issued an order on June 11, 2026, following allegations that he repeatedly failed to honour invitations by investigators.
The former minister resigned from office on October 7, 2025, saying he stepped aside to allow due process to take its course. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing and previously described the allegations against him as politically motivated.
Nnaji is also the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Enugu State.
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