A former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, on Monday pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge bordering on alleged certificate forgery, obtaining salaries under false pretences, and money laundering.

The defendant was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court, Abuja, by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission(ICPC).

According to the charges, Nnaji allegedly forged a degree certificate from the  as well as a discharge certificate from the  (NYSC), which he reportedly submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023.

The commission further accused him of receiving about ₦29.5 million in salaries and emoluments under false pretences, alongside alleged money laundering offences.

Upon the reading of the charges, the former minister pleaded not guilty to all six counts.

Following his plea, his counsel,  (SAN), informed the court that a bail application had been filed on behalf of the defendant.

Counsel to the prosecution stated that the commission was ready to proceed with the trial and had three witnesses lined up but did not oppose the bail application, leaving the decision to the court’s discretion.

In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik granted Nnaji bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety in like sum.

The court stipulated that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15 and must have maintained a fixed place of residence for at least four years. The surety is also required to provide proof of employment, including a letter of appointment and salary slips for the last three months, while the relevant authority will verify the employment status.

Additionally, the court ordered the defendant to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the court.

The case was adjourned until September 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.