ICPC Arraigns Ex-Minister Nnaji Over Alleged Certificate Forgery, Fund Misappropriation, Gets N20m Bail

The Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) on Monday, arraigned the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, before the Federal High Court in Abuja, over alleged certificate forgery and misappropriation of public funds.

Nnaji, 63, was docked before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on a six-count charge bordering on alleged forgery of academic certificates and diversion of funds while serving as minister.

According to the charge, counts one and two relate to the alleged misappropriation of funds, while counts three to six concern the alleged forgery of academic credentials.

The former minister pleaded not guilty to all six counts when they were read to him.

Dressed in a white senator outfit with a red cap, Nnaji acknowledged supporters and other attendees with a wave as he entered the courtroom before the proceedings commenced.

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The arraignment follows the conclusion of investigations by the ICPC into allegations that Nnaji submitted forged academic credentials and made false declarations during his nomination and screening for ministerial appointment.

The charges stem from a petition questioning the authenticity of certificates allegedly presented by the former minister.

The anti-graft agency had in June secured a 14-day remand order to detain Nnaji after informing the court that he repeatedly failed to honour invitations for questioning despite several notices.

Prior to his detention, Nnaji had challenged a court order authorising his arrest, urging the appellate court to set it aside while maintaining that the allegations against him were false.

Following the completion of its investigation, the ICPC filed criminal charges against the former minister, leading to his arraignment on Monday.