Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has pleaded not guilty to allegations of forging his university degree and his NYSC discharge certificate.
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‎The former Minister who has been charged to court by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
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‎Nnaji is facing six counts of forging a degree certificate from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023.
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‎The charges further cover claims of receiving approximately ₦29.5 million in salary and emoluments under false pretenses, as well as money laundering allegations
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‎After giving his not guilty plea Monday the prosecutor informed the court that he was ready to proceed to trial, with three witnesses available in the courtroom already.
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‎Ogwu Onoja, SAN, counsel for the defendant pleaded for more time to prepare for trial and informed the court of a pending application for bail filed on 9 July. The prosecutor did not oppose to the application for bail.
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‎In a short ruling, the trial judge granted the defendant bail in the sum of N20million with one surety who must not be below level 15 in the Federal civil service. The surety must be residing in Abuja. Other terms of bail include that Nnaji deposits his official and personal passports.
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‎Nnaji being charged to court follows months of investigation questioning the authenticity of his documents. Both UNN and the NYSC have reportedly disowned the certificates in question.
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‎He was arrested on June 30, 2026, by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja upon his arrival from Enugu.
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‎The arrest was executed following a Federal High Court order issued on June 11, 2026, after he allegedly failed to honor multiple invitations for investigative interviews.
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‎Nnaji resigned from his ministerial position on October 7, 2025, describing the move as a “principled decision to respect the sanctity of due process” amid ongoing judicial proceedings, and denying any wrongdoing. He has previously described elements of the case as politically motivated.
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‎The defendant is the governorship candidate of the People’s Democratic Party in Enugu State.
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The last three survivors among eight worshippers abducted during a Sunday morning service at the Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) in Omugo community, Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, have regained their freedom.

Bukola Olawole, Rachael Omopariola, and Mosunmola Adekunle were released by their abductors after spending approximately 100 days in captivity. The trio is currently receiving medical treatment and rehabilitation at a faith-based hospital in Omuaran.

One of the freed victims, Madam Rachael Omopariola, who is in her late sixties, recounted the harrowing experiences of their ordeal but declined to appear on camera due to her physical condition.

The Pastor in charge of ECWA Church Omugo, Rev. Timothy Omole, revealed that the kidnappers had contacted him, asking him to come and collect the remaining captives on a specified date. He declined the invitation, citing fears that he and others could also be abducted. Instead, he urged the bandits to release the victims at a safe location.

A relative of one of the freed victims, Rachael Adelodun, described the intense pain and trauma the families endured throughout the long period of uncertainty, particularly concerning Mosunmola Adekunle, who is deaf and dumb.

Tragically, five of the original eight hostages died while in captivity. Among the deceased were Pa Afolayan Omopariola and the pastor’s wife, Mrs. Omole.

Stakeholders in the area have renewed calls for improved security across Kwara State, with particular emphasis on the southern senatorial district, to prevent future incidents of banditry and kidnapping.

The release brings a measure of relief to the community, even as residents continue to grapple with the losses and the lingering impact of the abduction.

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Benue State Command, has arrested five men suspected of vandalizing electricity installations and trading in stolen public property.

The suspects, all males between the ages of 20 and 35, were arrested recently.

According to the Command, the arrests were made during patrols in Tse-Ivue and Tse-Dei communities in Guma Local Government Area, and around Lafia Junction in North Bank, Makurdi, following credible intelligence.

Parading the suspects, the Command Public Relations Officer, SC Ejelikwu Michael, gave their names as:
Gbenda Nyiter, Tersoo Bawa, Hanmakwagh James, Jeremiah Uker, and Moses Ikyobo.

Items recovered include about 350 meters of aluminum conductors believed to have been cut from power transmission lines, and two unregistered yellow tricycles used to convey the materials.

The PRO said preliminary investigation shows the suspects conspired to vandalize power installations in Guma, an act that disrupted electricity supply and caused economic loss to government.

One of the suspects, Tersoo Bawa, has admitted to the offence, while two others claimed to be tricycle riders in Makurdi.

Ejelikwu warned that the State Commandant, CC La Bitrus, has zero tolerance for vandalism of critical national assets.

He also warned scrap dealers to stop buying stolen materials, saying anyone found with vandalized items will be treated as an accomplice under the law.

Investigation is ongoing to arrest other members of the syndicate. The suspects will be charged to court soon.

Residents are urged to report suspicious activities around public infrastructure to NSCDC .