ABUJA — Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has been arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of certificate forgery, money laundering, and receiving nearly N30 million in salaries under false pretences.
The embattled former minister, who also serves as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate for Enugu State, was docked before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Monday, facing a six-count charge brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The charges allege that Nnaji forged a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, which he submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023. Both institutions have reportedly disowned the documents in question.
Further counts accuse him of fraudulently receiving approximately N29.5 million in salary and emoluments, alongside money laundering allegations.
Nnaji entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. The prosecution informed the court it was ready to proceed to trial, with three witnesses already present in the courtroom.
However, the defendant’s counsel, Chief Ogwu Onoja (SAN), requested additional time to prepare for trial and informed the court of a pending bail application filed on 9th July. The prosecution did not oppose the application.
In a brief ruling, Justice Abdulmalik granted bail in the sum of N20 million, with one surety who must hold a position not below Grade Level 15 in the Federal Civil Service and reside within Abuja. The former minister was also ordered to deposit both his official and personal passports with the court.
Nnaji was arrested on 30th June 2026 by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, upon his arrival from Enugu. The arrest followed a Federal High Court order issued on 11th June after he allegedly failed to honour multiple invitations for investigative interviews.
The former minister resigned from his cabinet position on 7th October 2025, describing the move at the time as a “principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process” amid ongoing legal proceedings. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing and previously suggested the case was politically motivated.
Nnaji’s prosecution comes after months of investigation into the authenticity of his academic credentials, raising fresh questions about the vetting processes for high-profile political appointments.
