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Group demands accountability
Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, on Monday pleaded not guilty to a six-count certificate forgery charge filed against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and was granted N20 million bail by a Federal High Court in Abuja.
Meanwhile, during the arraignment, a group numbering more than 300 stormed the court to demand accountability and the enforcement of the rule of law.
The group, Global Gender Safety and Moral Development, said public office demands honesty, accountability and respect for the rule of law.
The anti-corruption agency alleged that Nnaji, who served in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet from 16 August 2023 to 6 October 2025 before resigning, forged his academic credentials, including a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
The former minister was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on six counts bordering on the forgery of a UNN degree certificate and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, both allegedly submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023.
The charges also include allegations that he received about N29.5 million in salary and emoluments under false pretences, as well as money laundering.
After the not-guilty plea, the prosecutor told the court that he was ready for trial, with three witnesses already in the courtroom.
Nnaji’s lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, SAN, asked for more time to prepare and drew the court’s attention to a bail application filed on 9 July. The prosecutor did not oppose the application.
In a short ruling, the judge granted Nnaji bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety, who must not be below Grade Level 15 in the federal civil service and must reside in Abuja. The surety is required to depose to an affidavit of means.
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Nnaji was also ordered to deposit his official and personal passports and not to travel outside the country without the court’s permission.
Justice Abdulmalik fixed 21 July for the commencement of trial.
Nnaji’s arraignment follows months of investigation into the authenticity of his academic documents.
Both UNN and the NYSC have reportedly disowned the certificates in question.
Meanwhile, during the arraignment, a group numbering more than 300 stormed the court to demand accountability and the enforcement of the rule of law.
The group, Global Gender Safety and Moral Development, said public office demands honesty, accountability and respect for the rule of law.
Comrade Shuaibu Abdulkadir, Convener of the group, called on all relevant authorities to ensure that the matter is handled strictly in accordance with the law and that no individual is above justice.
He said, “Where criminal liability has been established through due process, the full weight of the law should be applied to protect the integrity of our educational institutions, including the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
“We urge the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice including the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to continue discharging their constitutional responsibilities without fear or favour. Justice must prevail”.
