Former Minister Nnaji Pleads Not Guilty To Certificate Forgery Charges

A former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge over allegations of forging academic credentials, specifically a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023.

Nnaji was arraigned on Monday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The charges further cover claims of receiving approximately ₦29.5 million in salary and emoluments under false pretences, as well as money laundering allegations.

Shortly after taking his plea, his counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Ogwu Onoja, told the court that he had filed a motion for bail.

Counsel for the prosecution said they were ready to proceed with the trial and had three witnesses. He also did not object to the defendant’s bail application, stating that it was at the discretion of the court.

Justice Abdulmalik subsequently granted him bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety in like sum.

The surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15 and must have maintained a fixed place of residence for at least four years.

The surety must submit evidence of employment, including a letter of employment, and provide salary slips for the last three months.

The court directed that the relevant authority be notified to verify the surety’s employment status.

The defendant was also ordered to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the court.

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

Nnaji’s Arrest

On July 1, the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) confirmed the arrest of Nnaji over certificate forgery allegations.

In a statement, ICPC’s Head of Media and Public Communications, Okor Odey, said Nnaji was arrested “following the execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court of Nigeria”.

“The arrest was effected on Wednesday, 1st July 2026 at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon Mr. Nnaji’s arrival. He was apprehended with the assistance of the Department of State Services (DSS) and subsequently handed over to the ICPC for further investigation,” the statement read.

According to the anti-graft commission, the ICPC had earlier extended formal invitations to the former minister through a letter referenced ICPC/HC/CSTF/GUN/GBT/T.1/VOLV16, dated 15 May 2026.

The invitation notices were duly served to his known addresses in Abuja and Enugu, as well as via his electronic mail address, the anti-graft agency said.

“Despite service through multiple channels, Mr Nnaji failed to appear for investigative interviews on the scheduled dates, necessitating further legal action,” it said. “The legal action followed a court order granted by the Federal High Court in the Abuja Judicial Division (Suit No: FHC/ABJ/CS/1160/2026).”

It said the order issued on 11 June 2026 directed the ICPC to arrest Nnaji to enable investigation into allegations bordering on forgery of academic credentials, specifically concerning a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN); and a false National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Discharge Certificate, which was submitted during his ministerial screening process in 2023.

Following the arrest, the ex-minister has been taken into custody at the ICPC headquarters in Abuja, where investigations are expected to continue. The Commission assured the public that the matter will be pursued diligently in accordance with the law.

Resignation ‘Not Admission of Guilt’

The former minister had resigned from his position in October 2025 following a report that claimed he forged his NYSC discharge certificate and that of his first degree.

Although he maintains that he graduated from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1975, the report indicates that the institution could not verify his academic records.

But the ex-minister said the resignation was “not an admission of guilt” and that the decision did not “come lightly”.

“My decision to step aside is, therefore, a personal choice — not an admission of guilt, but rather a principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process and to preserve the integrity of the judicial proceedings currently before the court. In the end, justice will prevail, and history will vindicate the just,” he said in a statement confirming his resignation as a minister.

Nnaji accused his political opponents of being behind what he tagged a “sustained campaign of falsehood”.

“Over the past week, an orchestrated and sustained campaign of falsehoods, politically motivated and malicious attacks have been waged against my person, integrity, and office across print, electronic, and social media platforms,” he said.

“These unfounded allegations and media distortions have not only caused personal distress but have also begun to distract from the vital work of the Ministry and the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President.”