Ex-Minister Uche Nnaji Pleads Not Guilty to Degree, NYSC Certificate Forgery Charges
Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge filed against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), alleging forgery, unlawful enrichment and money laundering.
Nnaji was arraigned on Monday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations that he forged a degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), as well as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate used during his ministerial screening in 2023.
The anti-graft agency also accused the former minister of fraudulently receiving about ₦29.5 million in salaries and allowances while serving in public office and laundering the proceeds.
After the charges were read in court, Nnaji entered a plea of not guilty.
The prosecution informed the court that it was prepared to open its case and had three witnesses available to testify. However, defence counsel, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), requested additional time to prepare for trial and urged the court to consider a bail application filed on July 9, 2026.
The prosecution raised no objection.
In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety in the same amount.
The court ordered that the surety must be a Federal Civil Service officer not below Grade Level 15 and resident in Abuja. Nnaji was also directed to surrender both his official and international passports to the court.
The former minister was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on June 30, 2026, shortly after arriving from Enugu. His arrest followed a Federal High Court order issued on June 11 after he allegedly failed to honour several invitations by investigators.
Nnaji resigned from the Federal Executive Council on October 7, 2025, stating that he stepped down to protect the integrity of public office and allow due process.
He has consistently denied the allegations, describing parts of the case as politically motivated.
He is also the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Enugu State.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case until September 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
