ICPC Arraigns Former Minister Over Alleged Certificate Forgery, Corruption, Receives N20m Bail

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has arraigned former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, before the Federal High Court over allegations bordering on certificate forgery, false information and corruption-related offences.

Nnaji was arraigned following investigations by the anti-graft agency into allegations that he submitted allegedly false academic credentials, including a university degree certificate and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate, during the process that led to his appointment as a minister in 2023.

The former minister, who served under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, was accused by the ICPC of presenting documents which the commission alleged were false, including a degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and an NYSC discharge certificate.

The ICPC had earlier confirmed that Nnaji was arrested after the execution of a bench warrant issued by the Federal High Court to enable the commission to conduct investigations into the allegations.

The anti-corruption agency said the court order became necessary after Nnaji allegedly failed to honour invitations extended to him to appear before investigators over the allegations.

According to the charges filed before the court, the ICPC alleged that Nnaji knowingly gave false information to the Federal Government by submitting documents which the commission claimed were not genuine during his ministerial screening process.

The commission also alleged that the former minister used his office to confer an unfair advantage on himself, an allegation linked to the circumstances surrounding the presentation of the disputed credentials.

The charges further accused Nnaji of offences relating to the alleged production and use of false documents, including a National Youth Service Corps certificate and a university degree certificate.

After his arraignment, the Federal High Court granted the former minister bail in the sum of N20 million with conditions attached to ensure his availability for trial.

The court’s decision followed arguments from both the prosecution and defence teams as the legal battle over the allegations officially moved into the trial stage.

The ICPC had begun investigating Nnaji after questions were raised over the authenticity of the academic documents he submitted during his nomination and confirmation process as a minister.

The controversy surrounding his credentials eventually led to his resignation as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology before the commencement of the latest court proceedings.

Nnaji, however, has maintained his innocence, denying allegations of wrongdoing and insisting that the claims against him would be addressed through due process.

The former minister’s legal team is expected to challenge the allegations as the matter progresses, while the ICPC will present evidence to support its claims before the court.

The case has attracted public attention because of Nnaji’s former position as a member of the Federal Executive Council and renewed discussions around the verification process for credentials of public office holders in Nigeria.

The ICPC has assured Nigerians that the matter will be handled according to the law, adding that investigations and prosecution of alleged corruption cases remain part of its mandate.

The court is expected to continue hearing the matter as both parties present their arguments and evidence regarding the allegations against the former minister.

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