Uche Nnaji Faces Trial for Alleged Forgery in Abuja

Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, is set to return to the Federal High Court in Abuja on September 21, 2026, for his trial concerning alleged certificate forgery and corruption. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has filed a six-count charge against him, which includes allegations of forging a degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, an NYSC discharge certificate, abuse of office, and unlawfully collecting approximately N29.5 million in salaries.

Nnaji, who served as minister from August 2023 to October 2025, pleaded not guilty and was granted bail by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, set at N20 million, with conditions including a surety who is a Grade Level 15 federal civil servant and the submission of his travel documents. The Defence for Democracy has expressed concerns about Nnaji's candidacy for the upcoming elections, urging him to withdraw to avoid negative impacts on his party and its supporters.