Uche Nnaji pleads not guilty to alleged certificate forgery, money laundering

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, on Monday pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge bordering on alleged forgery of academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates, corruption and money laundering brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Nnaji was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the anti-graft agency accused him of presenting forged certificates from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and the NYSC during his ministerial screening by the National Assembly in 2023.

The ICPC also alleged that the former minister unlawfully received about ₦29.58 million in salaries and allowances while serving in office, describing the funds as proceeds of corruption and fraud.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to all six counts when they were read to him.

Following his plea, his counsel, Chief Ogwu Onoja (SAN), informed the court that a motion seeking his client’s bail had already been filed.

Although counsel to the ICPC indicated readiness to commence trial immediately, stating that three prosecution witnesses were available to testify, he did not oppose the bail application, leaving the decision to the discretion of the court.

Justice Abdulmalik subsequently admitted Nnaji to bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety in like amount.

The court ruled that the surety must be a serving federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15, have maintained a fixed residence for at least four years, and provide proof of employment, including an appointment letter and salary slips covering the last three months.

The judge also ordered the former minister to surrender his international passport and any other travel documents to the court pending the determination of the case.

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

According to the charge, the ICPC alleged that Nnaji knowingly took possession of ₦29.58 million paid into his Fidelity Bank account as salaries and allowances during his tenure as minister, despite allegedly knowing the funds were proceeds of unlawful acts.

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

In another count, the anti-graft agency accused him of using his position as minister to confer a corrupt advantage upon himself, contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

The commission further alleged that during the ministerial appointment process in 2023, Nnaji knowingly submitted a false NYSC Certificate of National Service, identified as Certificate No. A231309, with the intention of misleading the Federal Government.

It also claimed that he presented a forged degree certificate in Microbiology/Biochemistry, Certificate No. 004501, purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, during the same period.

According to the prosecution, both actions violate Section 17(1)(c) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

The ICPC equally accused Nnaji of producing and using the allegedly false NYSC certificate around May 1986 and a purported UNN degree certificate around July 1985 as genuine documents, offences said to be punishable under Sections 363 and 364 of the Penal Code.

Nnaji was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on July 1, 2026, before being handed over to the ICPC for further investigation.

The anti-graft agency said the arrest followed the execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court on June 11, 2026, to facilitate investigations into allegations that the former minister forged the UNN degree certificate and NYSC discharge certificate submitted during his confirmation process in 2023.

According to the ICPC, it had earlier invited Nnaji for questioning through a letter dated May 15, 2026, but he allegedly failed to honour repeated invitations despite being served through multiple channels.

The commission maintained that the court order became necessary after the former minister failed to appear for scheduled investigative interviews.

Nnaji resigned as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology in October 2025 amid growing controversy over allegations surrounding his academic qualifications and NYSC discharge certificate.

He has consistently denied forging either the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, degree certificate or the NYSC certificate, insisting that the allegations are false.

The former minister also instituted legal action against the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, over the forgery claims, maintaining that he possesses authentic academic credentials.

The case is expected to resume on September 21, 2026, when the prosecution is scheduled to open its case against the former minister.