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.
Nnaji was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on a six-count charge bordering on alleged certificate forgery, obtaining salaries under false pretences, and money laundering.
According to the prosecution, the former minister is accused of forging a degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), as well as an NYSC discharge certificate, both of which were allegedly submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023.
The charges also include allegations that Nnaji unlawfully received about ₦29.5 million in salaries and emoluments while occupying public office, in addition to money laundering offences.
When the charges were read in court on Monday, Nnaji pleaded not guilty to all counts.
Following his plea, the prosecution informed the court that it was prepared to commence trial immediately, with three witnesses already present in court.
However, counsel to the defendant, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), requested additional time to prepare the defence and drew the court’s attention to a pending bail application filed on July 9. The prosecution did not oppose the application.
In a ruling, Justice Abdulmalik admitted Nnaji to bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety.
The court directed that the surety must be a Federal Civil Service officer not below Grade Level 15 and must reside in Abuja. The defendant was also ordered to deposit both his official and personal international passports with the court.
The prosecution follows months of investigation into the authenticity of Nnaji’s academic and NYSC credentials. Investigators allege that both the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the NYSC have disowned the certificates in question.
Nnaji was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on June 30, 2026, upon his arrival from Enugu. The arrest was reportedly carried out pursuant to a Federal High Court order issued on June 11, 2026, after he allegedly failed to honour multiple invitations for questioning.
The former minister resigned from office on October 7, 2025, citing respect for due process amid the ongoing investigation, while maintaining his innocence and describing aspects of the case as politically motivated.
Nnaji is also the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State.
The trial was adjourned until September 21, 2026, for the commencement of hearing.
