Ex-Minister Nnaji pleads not guilty certificate forgery, fraud charges

By Ayorinde Oluokun

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, on Monday pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge bordering on forgery of a degree certificate of University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate filed against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The Minister had submitted the UNN and NYSC certificates to the National Assembly during his ministerial screening in 2023.

ICPC also accused Nnaji who was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja of receiving about ₦29.5 million in salary and emoluments under false pretences and money laundering.

Following his plea, the former Minister’s lawyer, Ogwu Onoja (SAN) told the court that he had filed a motion for his bail.

However, ICPC counsel said he is ready to proceed with the trial with tree witnesses ready to testify.

But he did not object to the defendant’s bail application, stating that it was at the discretion of the court.

Subsequently, Justice Abdulmalik granted Nnaji bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety in like sum.

The Court said the must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15 and must have maintained a fixed place of residence for at least four years.

Also, the court said the surety must submit evidence of employment, including a letter of employment, and provide salary slips for the last three months.

The Court also ordered the ex-Minister to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the court.

The matter was adjourned until September 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.

In the one of the charges, ICPC accused Nnaji allegedly of taking possession of N29.58 million paid into his Fidelity Bank account as salaries and allowances while serving as minister.

The ICPC alleged that he reasonably ought to have known the funds were proceeds of unlawful acts, namely corruption and fraud.

The commission said the alleged offence contravened Section 18(2)(d) and is punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

In count two, the ICPC accused Nnaji of using his office as minister to confer a corrupt advantage on himself, contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

According to ICPC, Nnaji, with intent to mislead the Federal Government, knowingly presented a false National Youth Service Corps Certificate No. A231309, during his ministerial appointment process.

It said the alleged offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 17(1)(c) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

The ICPC also alleged that, in August 2023, Nnaji knowingly presented a false Microbiology/Biochemistry degree certificate, No. 004501, purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

According to the charge, the act also contravenes Section 17(1)(c) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

In count five, the commission alleged that, around May 1986, Nnaji knowingly produced a false Certificate of National Service, No. A231309, and used it as genuine.

The ICPC said the alleged offence was contrary to Section 363 and punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code.

In count six, the anti-graft agency claimed Nnaji knowingly produced a false degree certificate in microbiology/biochemistry, purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, around July 1985.

According to the Commission, the former Minister used the document as genuine, contrary to Section 363 and punishable under Section 364 of the Penal Code.

Nnaji was arrested on Wednesday, 1st July 2026 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja by operatives of Department of State Services (DSS).

He was subsequently handed over to the ICPC for further investigation.

ICPC had confirmed the handover of Nnaji to it by DSS in a statement by its Head of Media and Public Communications, Okor Odey also on July 1.

The anti-graft agency said the former Minister was arrested “following the execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court of Nigeria”.

According to the Commission, the order issued on 11 June 2026 mandated it to arrest Nnaji to enable investigation into allegations bordering on forgery of a degree certificate of UNN and NYSC Discharge Certificate which he submitted during his ministerial screening process in 2023.

ICPC said it had earlier invited the former minister through a letter referenced ICPC/HC/CSTF/GUN/GBT/T.1/VOLV16, dated 15 May 2026, but he failed to honour the invitations.

“Despite service through multiple channels, Mr Nnaji failed to appear for investigative interviews on the scheduled dates, necessitating further legal action,” it said. “The legal action followed a court order granted by the Federal High Court in the Abuja Judicial Division (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026).”

Recall that Nnaji resigned as Minister in October 2025 following controversies over alleged forgery his NYSC discharge certificate and that of his first degree.

However, the Minister had denied allegations that he forged NYSC and UNN certificates.

He also dragged the university to court over the alleged forgery.