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Nnaji was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a six-count charge.
By Toulope Oke
The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday granted former Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, N20 million bail after he pleaded not guilty to alleged certificate forgery.
Nnaji was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a six-count charge.
The ICPC accused the former minister of forging an academic certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and making false statements in documents submitted to public authorities.
Nnaji denied the allegations when the charges were read to him.
Justice Abdulmalik granted him bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety in the same amount.
The court ordered that the surety must be an Abuja-based civil servant not below Grade Level 15 and must submit an affidavit showing the ability to meet the bail conditions.
The judge also directed Nnaji to surrender his international passport to the court.
He was barred from travelling outside Nigeria without prior permission from the court.
Nnaji served in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet from August 16, 2023, until October 6, 2025.
The criminal case followed an ICPC investigation into allegations surrounding the academic credentials he submitted during his nomination and screening for ministerial appointment.
The former minister has consistently denied forging any certificate or making false declarations.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the case until July 21 for the commencement of trial.
