A 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 credentials, including a purported degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.
News Point Nigeria reports that Nnaji was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), following allegations relating to documents he allegedly presented during his ministerial screening process in 2023.
The charges filed against the former minister also include allegations that he received about ₦29.5 million in salaries and other official emoluments under false pretences, as well as claims bordering on money laundering.
During the court proceedings, Nnaji, who was represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Ogwu Onoja, entered a plea of not guilty to all the counts brought against him.
Shortly after the plea was taken, his counsel informed the court that a formal application for bail had been filed on behalf of the former minister.
The prosecution counsel told the court that the ICPC was prepared to commence the trial and had lined up three witnesses to testify in the matter.
However, the prosecution did not oppose the bail application, noting that the decision remained within the discretion of the court.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently granted Nnaji bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety in the same amount.
The court stipulated that the surety must be a serving federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15 and must have maintained a fixed place of residence for a minimum of four years.
The surety was also directed to provide evidence of employment, including a letter of appointment and salary slips covering the last three months.
Justice Abdulmalik further ordered that the appropriate government authority be contacted to verify the employment status of the surety before final approval.
As part of the bail conditions, the former minister was also ordered to surrender his international passport and any other travel documents to the court.
The Federal High Court subsequently adjourned the case until September 21, 2026, when trial is expected to formally commence.