Full Details: ICPC Institutes Criminal Charges Against Former Minister Uche Nnaji

According to reports from Premium Times and other sources familiar with the matter, the case was filed before the Federal High Court in Abuja, where Nnaji is expected to appear for arraignment in the coming days.

The charges were submitted on Monday by the anti-graft agency through its legal representative, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria. Court documents revealed that the case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/389/2026, lists the former minister as the sole defendant.

The legal action followed allegations that Nnaji presented allegedly false academic and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates during the screening process that preceded his appointment into the Federal Executive Council in 2023.

The controversy surrounding the documents emerged after an investigation raised questions over the authenticity of the certificates submitted by the former minister for his ministerial appointment.

The development came shortly after Nnaji was reportedly arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, upon his arrival from Enugu aboard a chartered flight. The arrest was linked to ongoing investigations into the documents he used during his appointment.

In the charge sheet, the ICPC accused Nnaji of receiving more than ₦29.5 million in salaries and allowances through his Fidelity Bank account while serving as a minister, alleging that the funds were obtained through an appointment secured with questionable credentials.

The commission claimed the alleged conduct contravened provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

The anti-corruption agency further accused the former minister of using his public position to obtain benefits through unlawful means, allegedly violating provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act.

Among the allegations listed in the charges is that Nnaji knowingly submitted a purported NYSC Certificate of National Service and a degree certificate linked to a Microbiology/Biochemistry programme, which the commission described as false documents presented to influence the government’s decision.

The ICPC also alleged that the former minister produced and used a fake NYSC certificate around 1986, as well as a University of Nigeria, Nsukka degree certificate allegedly issued in 1985.

Prosecutors maintained that the alleged use of the documents constituted offences under relevant sections of the Penal Code and anti-corruption laws.

The case is now set to proceed before the Federal High Court, where the former minister will have the opportunity to respond to the allegations.