Former Minister Uche Nnaji Pleads Not Guilty To Certificate Forgery And Money Laundering Charges

Former Minister Uche Nnaji Pleads Not Guilty to Certificate Forgery and Money Laundering Charges A former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge bordering on alleged certificate forgery, obtaining benefits under false pretences, and money laundering. Nnaji was arraigned over allegations that he forged academic credentials, including a degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka UNN, and a National Youth Service Corps NYSC discharge certificate allegedly submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023. The charges also include claims that the former minister received about ₦29.5 million in salaries and other official benefits based on the alleged false documents. Prosecutors further accused him of offences relating to money laundering as part of the case brought before the court. During the proceedings, Nnaji entered a not-guilty plea to all six counts, denying the allegations against him. Shortly after his plea, his lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria SAN Ogwu Onoja, informed the court that a bail application had been filed on behalf of his client. The court is expected to consider the bail request as the legal proceedings continue.

The allegations against Nnaji stem from questions raised over the authenticity of documents linked to his academic qualifications during his appointment process as a minister in 2023.