Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, arrived at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday morning for his arraignment on certificate forgery charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Mr Nnaji entered the courtroom dressed in a white outfit and a red cap, raising his right hand to acknowledge cheers from supporters and other attendees as he walked in. The proceedings are scheduled to be heard before Judge Joyce Abdulmalik.
ICPC Charges and Background
The ICPC is expected to arraign the former minister on charges of forgery and making false statements in documents submitted to public authorities. The charges follow months of investigation into allegations that Mr Nnaji forged academic credentials and made false declarations.
The case stems from a petition challenging the authenticity of certificates Mr Nnaji allegedly submitted during his nomination and screening for ministerial appointment. In June, the ICPC obtained a 14-day remand order to detain Mr Nnaji after informing the court that he repeatedly failed to honour invitations for questioning despite several notices.
Investigation and Previous Reports
A PREMIUM TIMES investigation published in October 2023 exposed Mr Nnaji’s forgery of the certificates he used to secure his ministerial appointment in 2023. Mr Nnaji has denied any wrongdoing.
He also appealed the court order authorising his arrest, arguing that the decision should be set aside. The anti-corruption agency subsequently filed criminal charges against him after concluding its investigation.
