The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to Uche Nnaji, a prominent Nigerian businessman, in the sum of N20 million following his arraignment by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on charges of alleged certificate forgery. Justice James Omotosho, who presided over the case, set the bail condition, which includes two sureties in like sum, one of whom must be a civil servant not below Grade Level 14.
Details of the Allegations
The ICPC accused Nnaji of presenting forged documents to secure a contract with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in 2019. According to the anti-corruption agency, Nnaji allegedly submitted a fake degree certificate from the University of Lagos to claim eligibility for the contract, which was valued at over N500 million. The commission stated that investigations revealed the certificate was not issued by the university, and Nnaji had knowingly used it to deceive the NNPC.
Nnaji was arraigned on a four-count charge, including forgery, uttering of forged documents, and obtaining by false pretence. He pleaded not guilty to all counts, and his counsel, Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN), argued for bail, citing his client's health status and the presumption of innocence.
Court Ruling and Conditions
Justice Omotosho, in his ruling, granted Nnaji bail in the sum of N20 million with two sureties. The sureties must be owners of landed property within the court's jurisdiction, with documentary evidence of ownership. Additionally, Nnaji is required to deposit his international passport with the court registrar and must not travel outside the country without the court's permission. The judge adjourned the matter to October 15, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
“The defendant is granted bail in the sum of N20 million with two sureties in like amount. One of the sureties must be a civil servant on Grade Level 14 or above, while the other must be a reputable businessman with a verifiable address. Both sureties must submit passport photographs and evidence of tax payments for the last three years,” Justice Omotosho ruled.
Reactions and Implications
The ICPC prosecutor, Mr. Abubakar Musa, expressed satisfaction with the court's decision, stating that the commission is ready to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt. “We have gathered substantial evidence against the defendant, including forensic analysis of the alleged forged certificate. We are confident that justice will be served,” Musa said.
Nnaji's lawyer, Chief Ozekhome, welcomed the bail ruling, describing it as a fair exercise of judicial discretion. He maintained that his client is innocent and that the charges are politically motivated. “The ICPC has been used as a tool to settle political scores. Our client is a legitimate businessman who has contributed immensely to the Nigerian economy. We will defend him vigorously,” Ozekhome stated.
The case has drawn attention to the issue of certificate forgery in Nigeria, particularly in the context of government contracts. According to the ICPC, over 200 cases of certificate forgery have been prosecuted in the last five years, with convictions secured in about 60% of them. The commission has warned that it will continue to clamp down on individuals who use fraudulent documents to gain undue advantage in public procurement processes.
Background on Uche Nnaji
Uche Nnaji is the CEO of Nnaji Group, a conglomerate with interests in oil and gas, real estate, and logistics. He has been a prominent figure in Nigerian business circles, with close ties to several political figures. His arrest and arraignment have sparked debates about the effectiveness of anti-corruption efforts in Nigeria. Some analysts view the case as a test of the ICPC's independence and commitment to fighting corruption without fear or favour.
The trial is expected to be closely watched, as it involves high-profile individuals and raises questions about the integrity of contract awards in the oil sector. The ICPC has assured the public that it will pursue the case diligently, regardless of the defendant's status.
