Uche Nnaji Pleads Not Guilty To Certificate Forgery Charges

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Uche Nnaji has pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge over alleged certificate forgery at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

The case is a fresh stage in the long-running controversy over Nnaji’s academic records. NaijaTrend had earlier reported that Nnaji said he was ready for court over the allegations here. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission arraigned him before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Monday after earlier reports that criminal charges had been filed.

The charges centre on claims that Nnaji forged a University of Nigeria, Nsukka degree certificate and a National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate submitted during his 2023 ministerial screening.

Daily Post and Channels Television reported that the counts also cover allegations that he received about ₦29.5 million in salary and allowances under false pretences, alongside money laundering allegations.

After Nnaji entered his plea, the prosecution said it was ready to open its case and had witnesses in court. His lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, SAN, asked for time to prepare and relied on a bail application filed earlier in July.

Justice Abdulmalik granted bail at ₦20 million with one surety who must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15 and resident in Abuja. The court also ordered Nnaji to deposit his official and personal passports.

Daily Trust had earlier reported that Nnaji was arrested on July 1 after he was picked up by the Department of State Services at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu and later handed to the ICPC. Daily Post reported that the arrest followed a Federal High Court order issued in June.

Nnaji resigned from the federal cabinet last October after questions were raised about his academic credentials. The University of Nigeria, Nsukka and the NYSC were reported to have disowned the documents at the centre of the case.

Sources: Daily Trust, Daily Post, Premium Times, Channels TV