Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Monday arraigned former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a six-count charge bordering on alleged certificate forgery, money laundering and obtaining salaries under false pretences, ravenewsonline reports.
Nnaji was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, where he pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
According to the ICPC, the former minister allegedly forged a degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate allegedly submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023.
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The anti-graft agency also alleged that Nnaji unlawfully received about N29.5 million in salaries and allowances while serving as minister.
Following his plea, his counsel, Chief Ogwu Onoja (SAN), informed the court that a bail application had already been filed on behalf of the defendant.
Counsel to the ICPC, Mr Osuobeni Akponimisingha, told the court that although the prosecution was ready to commence trial with three witnesses, it did not oppose the bail application and would abide by the court’s decision.
Justice Abdulmalik granted the defendant bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety in like sum.
The court ruled that the surety must be a Federal Civil Service employee not below Grade Level 15 who has maintained a fixed residence for at least four years.
The judge further directed that the surety must provide evidence of employment, including a letter of appointment and salary slips for the last three months, subject to verification by the relevant authority.
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Justice Abdulmalik also ordered the defendant to surrender his international passport and other travel documents to the court pending the determination of the case.
The matter was adjourned until Sept. 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
The allegations against the former minister remain before the court, and no findings have yet been made on the merits of the case.
