Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, on Monday pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge bordering on alleged certificate forgery, money laundering and obtaining salaries under false pretences.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arraigned Nnaji before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The anti-corruption agency accused the former minister of forging a degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate allegedly submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023.
The ICPC also alleged that Nnaji unlawfully received about N29.5 million in salaries and allowances while serving as minister.
When the charges, marked ABJ/CR/38902026, were read, Nnaji pleaded not guilty.
Following his plea, his counsel, Chief Ogwu Onoja (SAN), informed the court that a bail application had already been filed.
Counsel to the ICPC, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, said the prosecution was ready to commence trial with three witnesses but did not oppose the bail application, leaving the decision to the court.
Justice Abdulmalik granted Nnaji bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety in like sum.
The court ruled that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15 who has maintained a fixed residence for at least four years. The surety must also provide evidence of employment, including a letter of appointment and salary slips for the last three months, while the relevant authority is to verify the employment status.
The judge further ordered Nnaji to surrender his international passport and other travel documents to the court.
The case was adjourned until September 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
According to the ICPC, the first count alleges that Nnaji received about N29.5 million through his Fidelity Bank account as salaries and allowances while serving as minister, despite allegedly knowing the funds were proceeds of “corruption and fraud.” The commission said the alleged act contravenes Sections 18(2)(d) and 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The second count accuses him of using his office to confer a corrupt advantage on himself, contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
In the third and fourth counts, the ICPC alleged that Nnaji knowingly presented false NYSC and university degree certificates to the Federal Government during his ministerial appointment process in 2023.
The fifth and sixth counts allege that he produced and used as genuine a false NYSC certificate and a University of Nigeria, Nsukka degree certificate, offences said to be punishable under the Penal Code.
Meanwhile, a group of more than 300 protesters under the banner of the Global Gender Safety and Moral Development gathered outside the court, calling for accountability and adherence to the rule of law.
The group’s convener, Comrade Shuaibu Abdulkadir, urged the Attorney General of the Federation and the ICPC to continue handling the case without interference.
“We urge the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, including the ICPC to continue discharging their constitutional responsibilities without fear or favour. Justice must prevail,” he said.
