A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, after he pleaded not guilty to alleged certificate forgery, obtaining money by false pretence and money laundering charges filed against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Nnaji was arraigned on Monday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a six-count charge accusing him of allegedly forging a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, which he allegedly submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023.
The charges also allege that the former minister received about ₦29.5 million in salaries and other emoluments under false pretences, alongside money laundering offences.
When the charges were read, Nnaji pleaded not guilty to all six counts.
Following his plea, his lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Ogwu Onoja, applied for bail on his behalf.
Counsel to the ICPC told the court that the prosecution was ready to begin trial and had three witnesses available. However, he did not oppose the bail application, saying it was left to the discretion of the court.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently admitted the former minister to bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety in like sum.
The court ruled that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15 who has maintained a fixed place of residence for at least four years. The surety is also required to provide a letter of employment and salary slips for the last three months, while the relevant authority will verify the employment status.
The judge further ordered Nnaji to surrender his international passport and all other travel documents to the court.
The case was adjourned until September 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
