Former Minister of Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, was on Monday arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a six-count charge of alleged certificate forgery filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the former minister bail in the sum of ₦20 million after he pleaded not guilty to all six counts preferred against him by the anti-corruption agency.
According to the charge, the ICPC alleged that Nnaji, who served in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet from August 16, 2023, to October 6, 2025, forged his academic certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
Following his not guilty plea, defence counsel, Chief James Onoja (SAN), applied for bail, which the court granted.
Justice Abdulmalik admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety in like sum.
The court ruled that the surety must be a civil servant resident in Abuja and not below Grade Level 15. The surety is also required to depose to an affidavit of means.
The judge further ordered Nnaji to surrender his international passport and barred him from travelling outside Nigeria without prior approval of the court.
Justice Abdulmalik adjourned the matter until July 21 for the commencement of trial.
