Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, on Monday pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge bordering on alleged certificate forgery, obtaining salaries by false pretences and money laundering before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Nnaji was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik over allegations that he forged a University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) degree certificate and a National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate submitted during his ministerial screening in 2023.
According to the charges, the former minister is also accused of receiving about N29.5 million in salaries and emoluments under false pretences, alongside alleged money laundering offences.
After Nnaji entered a plea of not guilty, the prosecution informed the court that it was ready to commence trial, stating that three witnesses were already present in court.
However, counsel to the defendant, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), requested more time to prepare for trial and drew the court’s attention to a bail application filed on July 9. The prosecution did not oppose the application.
In a ruling, Justice Abdulmalik granted Nnaji bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety. Court ordered that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15 and resident in Abuja.
The judge also directed the former minister to deposit both his official and personal passports as part of the bail conditions.
