The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed a six-count criminal charge against former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji. Prosecutors accused him of certificate forgery, fraud and abuse of office.
The anti-graft agency filed the case before the Federal High Court in Abuja on behalf of the Federal Government. Nnaji is the sole defendant. The court is expected to arraign him in the coming days.
ICPC Details Six Charges
The ICPC alleged that Nnaji unlawfully received about ₦29.58 million in salaries and allowances while serving as minister. Prosecutors claimed the money represented proceeds of corruption and fraud under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The commission also accused the former minister of using his office to obtain a corrupt advantage for himself. Prosecutors based that allegation on provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act.
In another count, the ICPC alleged that Nnaji knowingly submitted a false National Youth Service Corps certificate during his ministerial appointment process. Prosecutors said he intended to mislead the Federal Government.
The commission also accused him of presenting a University of Nigeria, Nsukka degree certificate that investigators believe is not genuine. According to the charge, he submitted the document during his appointment in 2023.
The remaining counts accuse Nnaji of producing and using both certificates as genuine. Prosecutors said those actions violated provisions of the Penal Code.
Case Follows Investigation
The charges come days after security operatives arrested Nnaji at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja. He had arrived from Enugu aboard a chartered flight.
Investigators began examining his academic records after questions emerged over the authenticity of the certificates he submitted during his ministerial screening. The allegations later prompted several agencies to review the documents.
Previous Findings Intensified Scrutiny
University officials had earlier confirmed that Nnaji gained admission to the institution. However, they said their records did not show that he graduated or received the degree certificate attributed to him.
The National Youth Service Corps also reportedly rejected the discharge certificate linked to the former minister during separate inquiries. Those findings intensified public interest in the case and increased pressure for a criminal investigation.
Political Career Amid Legal Battle
Since leaving office, Nnaji has changed political parties. He defected from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
He later emerged as the governorship candidate of a PDP faction backed by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, ahead of the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State.
Meanwhile, the criminal case has continued to attract national attention. Legal analysts and political observers have urged the courts to determine the allegations through due process.
What Happens Next
The Federal High Court is expected to fix a date for Nnaji’s arraignment. During the proceedings, prosecutors will formally read the six charges in open court.
Nnaji will then enter his plea before the trial begins. Like every criminal defendant, he remains presumed innocent unless the prosecution proves the allegations beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
