The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Monday arraigned former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, before the Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged certificate forgery and false declarations.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik presided over the proceedings, which mark the latest stage in a criminal case linked to Mr Nnaji’s appointment as a minister in 2023.
The ICPC accused the former minister of forging academic credentials and making false statements in documents submitted to public authorities.
According to the commission, Mr Nnaji relied on the disputed certificates during his nomination and screening for ministerial appointment. Investigators also alleged that he made false declarations in official documents.
The anti-corruption agency filed the charges after completing months of investigation into the allegations.
The case started after a petitioner challenged the authenticity of certificates that Mr Nnaji allegedly presented during the ministerial screening process.
The petition prompted the ICPC to investigate the claims. After reviewing the evidence, the commission filed criminal charges before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
In June, the ICPC secured a 14-day remand order after informing the court that Mr Nnaji repeatedly ignored invitations for questioning despite receiving several notices.
Mr Nnaji later asked the court to set aside the order authorising his arrest. However, the commission continued its investigation and proceeded with the prosecution after concluding its inquiry.
The allegations first drew national attention after an investigative report published in October last year questioned the authenticity of the academic certificates Mr Nnaji allegedly used to secure his ministerial appointment.
The report highlighted inconsistencies in the credentials and urged the relevant authorities to examine the documents which later triggered the ICPC investigation.
