The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Science and Technology, over allegations of certificate forgery and misappropriation of funds.
Nnaji was arraigned on Monday before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja on a six-count charge bordering on alleged certificate forgery and misappropriation of funds.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
After the former minister entered his plea, Ogwu Onoja, his counsel, informed the court that a bail application had been filed.
However, the prosecution said it was ready to commence trial and present three witnesses.
The prosecution did not oppose the bail application.
Subsequently, Justice Abdulmalik granted Nnaji bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety in like sum.
The surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15 and must have maintained a fixed place of residence for at least four years.
The surety must also provide evidence of employment and salary slips for the last three months.
The case was adjourned until September 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
On July 1, Nnaji was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja.
He was subsequently handed over to the ICPC.
Following the arrest, Okor Odey, the ICPC spokesperson, said the commission had sent invitation letters to Nnaji through multiple channels, including his residential addresses in Abuja and Enugu.
Odey said that despite being served through multiple channels, Nnaji failed to honour the invitations.
The ICPC spokesperson added that the Federal High Court in Abuja had issued a bench warrant against Nnaji to enable the commission to investigate allegations of certificate forgery.
In October 2025, Nnaji resigned as minister following allegations of certificate forgery.
Before his resignation, he came under scrutiny over claims that he had forged the credentials he submitted to President Bola Tinubu and the Senate during his ministerial confirmation process..
