Ex-Minister Nnaji to be arraigned on forgery, corruption charges

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Uche Nnaji faces six criminal charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) in Abuja. The charges, filed on behalf of the Federal Government of Nigeria, are rooted in a PREMIUM TIMES investigation that revealed Nnaji allegedly forged his university and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates.

These allegedly forged documents were submitted to President Bola Tinubu and the Nigerian Senate during his ministerial confirmation process in 2023. Nnaji was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja five days prior to the charges being filed, following a two-year investigation that concluded last October.

The first count accuses Nnaji of possessing N29.5 million in basic salary and allowances through his Fidelity Bank account while serving as minister, alleging he should have known the funds were proceeds of unlawful acts like corruption and fraud. This action, the ICPC argues, violates the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act of 2022.

Further charges include using his ministerial position to gain corrupt advantage, contrary to the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act. Nnaji is also accused of knowingly providing false information by presenting a fake NYSC certificate (Number: A231309) and a false Microbiology/Biochemistry degree certificate (Number: 004501) to the government for his appointment. He faces additional charges related to producing and using a false National Service Certificate around May 1986.