The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has officially arraigned the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

He faces a six-count charge encompassing certificate forgery, money laundering, and the unlawful receipt of roughly 29.5 million Naira in official salaries and emoluments under false pretenses.

Specifically, the anti-graft agency alleges that Nnaji forged a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, alongside a National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate, both of which he submitted during his 2023 ministerial screening.

During the court proceedings, Nnaji maintained his innocence by pleading not guilty to all counts. Although the prosecution stated they were fully prepared to begin the trial immediately with three witnesses present, the defense team, led by Senior Advocate James Onoja, requested an adjournment to properly prepare their case. The defense additionally moved an application for bail, which the prosecution did not oppose.

Justice Abdulmalik subsequently granted Nnaji bail set at 20 million Naira with one surety in the same amount. The court mandated that the surety must be an Abuja-resident federal civil servant at Grade Level 15 or higher who can provide an affidavit of means, recent salary slips, and an employment confirmation letter.

Furthermore, Nnaji was ordered to hand over his official and international passports to the court and is prohibited from traveling outside Nigeria without explicit judicial clearance.