The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, bail in the sum of ₦20 million after he pleaded not guilty to six counts bordering on alleged certificate forgery, corruption and money laundering.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik admitted Nnaji to bail on Monday, July 13, 2026, with one surety in the same amount following an application by his defence team, led by Chief James Onoja, SAN.
The court directed that the surety must be a civil servant resident in Abuja and not below Grade Level 15. The surety is also required to depose to an affidavit of means.
Justice Abdulmalik further ordered the former minister to surrender his international passport and barred him from travelling outside Nigeria without the court’s permission.
The court subsequently fixed July 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission arraigned Nnaji as the sole defendant in the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/389/2026.
The charges were filed on behalf of the Federal Government by ICPC counsel Osuobeni Akponimisingha and arose from allegations concerning the academic and National Youth Service Corps documents Nnaji submitted during his ministerial appointment process in 2023.
In the first count, the ICPC alleged that Nnaji received approximately ₦29.58 million specifically ₦29,578,466.67 as salaries and allowances while serving as minister, when he ought reasonably to have known that the funds formed part of the proceeds of an alleged unlawful act involving corruption and fraud.
The commission said the alleged offence contravened Section 18(2)(d) and was punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
In the second count, the ICPC accused the former minister of using his public office to confer a corrupt advantage on himself, contrary to Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.
The third count alleged that Nnaji knowingly presented a false Certificate of National Service, numbered A231309, to the Federal Government to support his appointment as a minister.
The ICPC maintained that the document was presented with the intention of misleading the government, contrary to Section 17(1)(c) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act.
In the fourth count, the commission alleged that Nnaji presented a Microbiology/Biochemistry degree certificate, numbered 004501 and purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, despite allegedly knowing that it was false.
The fifth count accused him of producing the disputed NYSC certificate around May 1986 and subsequently using it as a genuine document.
In the sixth count, the ICPC alleged that Nnaji produced and used as genuine the disputed Microbiology/Biochemistry degree certificate purportedly issued by UNN around July 1985.
The alleged production and use of the documents were brought under relevant provisions of the Penal Code. Nnaji, however, denied all the allegations when the charges were read to him.
The arraignment followed Nnaji’s arrest at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on July 1, 2026, upon his arrival from Enugu.
The ICPC said the arrest was carried out with the assistance of the Department of State Services pursuant to a warrant issued by the Federal High Court.
According to the commission, it had earlier invited the former minister for investigative interviews through a letter dated May 15, 2026.
The agency said the invitation was sent to his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu and through his email address, but alleged that he failed to appear on the scheduled dates.
The ICPC consequently approached the court and obtained an order on June 11, 2026, in Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026, authorising his arrest to facilitate the investigation.
Following his arrest, Nnaji was taken to the ICPC headquarters in Abuja for questioning over the alleged forgery of his university and NYSC credentials.
The controversy centres on the academic and national service credentials Nnaji submitted to President Bola Tinubu and the Senate during the process that led to his ministerial appointment in 2023.
Nnaji had claimed that he obtained a degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1985.
However, reports based on responses obtained from UNN said the institution confirmed that although he was admitted in 1981, it had no record that he graduated or was issued the certificate he presented.
The NYSC was also reported to have disowned the discharge certificate associated with the former minister. These remain allegations to be tested during the criminal trial, and Nnaji is presumed innocent unless convicted by the court.
Nnaji had instituted an action at the Federal High Court against UNN, its Vice-Chancellor and other education authorities concerning the release of his academic records. His legal team was later reported to have indicated an interest in resolving that aspect of the dispute outside court.
Nnaji served in President Tinubu’s cabinet from August 2023 until his resignation in October 2025 following renewed public attention surrounding his credentials.
While announcing his departure, he maintained that stepping down was not an admission of guilt but a decision intended to preserve the integrity of the proceedings and enable due process to run its course.
He also described the allegations as part of a politically motivated and malicious campaign against his person, integrity and public office.
“My decision to step aside is, therefore, a personal choice not an admission of guilt,” he said at the time, expressing confidence that he would ultimately be vindicated.
With his plea now taken and bail granted, the prosecution is expected to begin presenting its witnesses and documentary evidence when the trial commences on July 21.
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