By Ado Oyeyemi
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 financial benefits by false pretence and money laundering.
Nnaji was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja in a case instituted by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission.
The prosecution accused the former minister of allegedly forging a degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, as well as a National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate, which he reportedly presented during his ministerial screening in 2023.
The charges also include allegations that he unlawfully received about N29.5 million in salaries and other emoluments, alongside claims of money laundering.
Following the defendant’s plea, the prosecution informed the court that it was prepared to commence trial and had three witnesses available to testify.
However, defence counsel, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), requested additional time to prepare the defence and drew the court’s attention to a bail application filed on July 9.
The prosecution did not oppose the application.
In a brief ruling, Justice Abdulmalik admitted Nnaji to bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety.
The court directed that the surety must be a Federal Civil Service officer not below Grade Level 15 and resident in Abuja.
The judge also ordered the defendant to surrender both his official and international passports as part of the bail conditions.
The prosecution followed months of investigation into the authenticity of the former minister’s academic and NYSC credentials.
Authorities reportedly relied on responses from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the National Youth Service Corps, both of which allegedly disowned the certificates in question.
Nnaji was arrested on June 30, 2026, by operatives of the Department of State Services at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after arriving from Enugu.
The arrest was carried out pursuant to an order of the Federal High Court issued on June 11, 2026, after he allegedly failed to honour several invitations for questioning by investigators.
The former minister resigned from office on October 7, 2025, stating that his decision was aimed at preserving the integrity of the judicial process while maintaining his innocence.
He has consistently denied any wrongdoing and previously described aspects of the allegations as politically motivated.
Nnaji is also the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in Enugu State.
