Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has pleaded not guilty to allegations of forging his university degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.
The former minister is facing a six-count charge bordering on the alleged forgery of a degree certificate purportedly obtained from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and an NYSC discharge certificate allegedly submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023.
The charges also accuse him of unlawfully receiving about ₦29.5 million in salaries and emoluments under false pretences, as well as laundering the proceeds.
Nnaji was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday, where he denied all six counts after they were read to him.
Following his plea, the prosecution informed the court that it was ready to commence trial and had three witnesses present.
However, counsel to the defendant, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), sought more time to prepare for trial and drew the court’s attention to a bail application filed on July 9, 2026. The prosecution did not oppose the application.
In a brief ruling, Justice Abdulmalik admitted Nnaji to bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety in like sum.
The court ordered that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15, resident in Abuja, and must have maintained a fixed place of residence for at least four years.
The judge further directed the surety to submit proof of employment, including a letter of appointment and salary slips for the last three months. The relevant government authority is to verify the surety’s employment status.
Nnaji was also ordered to deposit his international passport and any other travel documents with the court as part of the bail conditions.
The matter was adjourned until September 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.