Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, on Monday pleaded not guilty to allegations of forging his university degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.

Nnaji was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The former minister is facing a six-count charge bordering on the alleged forgery of a degree certificate purportedly obtained from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and an NYSC discharge certificate allegedly submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023.

The charges also include allegations that he unlawfully received about ₦29.5 million in salaries and emoluments under false pretences, as well as money laundering.
Upon the charges being read to him, Nnaji pleaded not guilty.

Following his plea, the prosecution informed the court that it was ready to commence trial and had three witnesses present in court.

However, counsel to the defendant, Ogwu Onoja, SAN, sought more time to prepare for trial. He also drew the court’s attention to a bail application filed on July 9, 2026. The prosecution did not oppose the application.

In a brief ruling, Justice Abdulmalik admitted Nnaji to bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety in like sum.

The court ordered that the surety must be a Federal Civil Service officer not below Grade Level 15 and resident in Abuja. The judge also directed Nnaji to deposit both his official and international passports with the court.

The case stems from months of investigation into the authenticity of the defendant’s academic and NYSC credentials. The ICPC alleges that both the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the NYSC disowned the certificates presented by Nnaji.

The former minister was arrested on June 30, 2026, by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, shortly after arriving from Enugu.

His arrest followed a Federal High Court order issued on June 11, 2026, after he allegedly failed to honour several invitations for questioning by investigators.

Nnaji resigned as minister on October 7, 2025, saying his decision was aimed at protecting the integrity of public office and allowing due process to take its course. He has consistently denied any wrongdoing and has described aspects of the case as politically motivated.

He is also the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Enugu State.

Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the matter for  to september 21 for  commencement of trial.