A Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled July 21, 2026 for the start of trial against former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, on charges of certificate forgery. Nnaji pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). He was granted N20 million bail, with conditions that the surety must be a civil servant in Abuja not below Grade Level 15 and must provide an affidavit of means. The court also ordered Nnaji to surrender his international passport and barred him from leaving Nigeria without permission.
Nnaji was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Service (DSS) on July 1 when he boarded a private jet at Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, bound for Abuja. Upon arrival at Nnamdi Azikwe Airport in the Federal Capital Territory, he was handed over to the ICPC. The Enugu-born politician had been appointed minister on August 16, 2023, but resigned from President Bola Tinubu's cabinet on October 6, 2025, after allegations surfaced that he forged his University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) First Degree and NYSC certificates. UNN authorities later disowned the credentials. The trial judge, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, presided over the arraignment and set the trial date after the defence, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Chief James Onoja, applied for bail.
Uche Nnaji faced court on forgery charges just months after resigning as minister, following disavowal of his certificates by UNN. His arrest occurred while boarding a private jet days after the scandal broke, raising questions about timing and intent. The court's requirement for a high-level civil servant as surety suggests concern over flight risk, given his access to private travel. The July 21 trial date sets a public timeline for accountability in a case tied directly to his fitness for office.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
