Bail For Ex-Minister Nnaji After Not Guilty Plea In Forgery Case

A former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge filed against him over alleged certificate forgery, obtaining salaries under false pretences, and money laundering.

According to Ireporter Online, Nnaji was arraigned on Monday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).

The anti-corruption agency alleged that the former minister forged a degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, as well as a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, both of which were allegedly presented during his ministerial screening in 2023.

The ICPC further accused Nnaji of unlawfully receiving approximately ₦29.5 million in salaries and other emoluments through false representation, in addition to facing allegations of money laundering.

When the charges were read before the court, the former minister denied all six counts.

Following his plea, his lead counsel, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), urged the court to grant his client bail, noting that a formal application had already been filed. The prosecution informed the court that it was prepared to commence trial with three witnesses available but did not object to the bail request, leaving the decision to the court’s discretion.

Justice Abdulmalik subsequently granted Nnaji bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety in like amount. The court ruled that the surety must be a federal civil servant on Grade Level 15 or above and must have maintained a fixed residence for at least four years.

The judge also directed the surety to provide proof of employment, including a letter of appointment and salary slips covering the last three months, while the appropriate government authority would verify the employment details.

As part of the bail conditions, Nnaji was ordered to surrender his international passport and all other travel documents to the court.

The matter was thereafter adjourned until September 21, 2026, when trial is scheduled to commence.