ICPC arraigns ex-minister Nnaji, court grants N20m bail

Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Uche Nnaji appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja, facing a six-count charge from the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The charges include alleged certificate forgery, providing false information, and corruption.

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proceeds of unlawful acts, contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

According to the ICPC, between August 2023 and October 2025, Nnaji, 63, received approximately ₦29.5 million in salary and allowances through his Fidelity Bank account. The commission classified these funds as "proceeds of unlawful acts," contrary to the Money Laundering Act. Additionally, the ICPC accused him of using his office to confer a corrupt advantage on himself by receiving this sum, violating the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act.

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using his office to confer a corrupt advantage on himself by receiving the same sum as salary and allowances, contrary to the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

The charges also encompass alleged certificate forgery and the use of false documents. Specifically, the ICPC claims Nnaji submitted a forged National Youth Service Corps certificate and a purported University of Nigeria, Nsukka degree certificate during his ministerial documentation process. Nnaji pleaded not guilty to all charges. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted him bail in the sum of ₦20 million, requiring a surety who is a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15 with a stable residence for at least four years.

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knowingly presented a forged National Youth Service Corps certificate, numbered A231309, to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation during the documentation process for his ministerial appointment.