A Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, has granted the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, bail following his arraignment over allegations that he forged his university degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificates.
The Enugu State-born politician was charged to court by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Nnaji is facing six counts of forging a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and an NYSC discharge certificate, both of which were submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023.
The charges further cover claims of receiving approximately ₦29.5 million in salary and emoluments under false pretences, alongside money laundering allegations.
After Nnaji pleaded not guilty on Monday, the prosecutor informed the court that the crown was ready to proceed to trial, with three witnesses already present in the courtroom.
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However, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), counsel for the defendant, pleaded for more time to prepare for the trial and informed the court of a pending application for bail filed on 9 July. The prosecutor did not oppose the application.
In a short ruling, Justice Abdulmalik granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety, who must not be below grade level 15 in the Federal Civil Service.
The surety must reside in Abuja. As part of his bail conditions, Nnaji must also deposit both his official and personal passports.
Background to the Arrest
Nnaji, who resigned from his ministerial position on 7 October 2025, was recently intercepted by security agencies at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu while preparing to board a chartered flight to the nation’s capital, Abuja.
He was subsequently handed over for interrogation to the ICPC, which had been on his trail since his resignation from office.