Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, on Monday pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge bordering on alleged money laundering, corruption, forgery and the use of false documents.
Nnaji was arraigned before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC).
After the charges were read, the former minister pleaded not guilty.
The prosecuting counsel, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, told the court the prosecution was ready to commence trial, noting that three witnesses were present to testify.
However, defense counsel, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), sought an adjournment, saying he needed time to study the charges and prepare his client. He also applied for bail on the defendant’s behalf.
The prosecution did not oppose the bail application, leaving the decision to the court.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently granted Nnaji bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety in like sum.
The court ordered that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction for at least four years, provide proof of residence through a tenancy agreement, and be a Federal Civil Servant not below Grade Level 15.
The surety is also required to submit evidence of three months’ salary, a letter of appointment to pensionable service, a letter from the immediate Head of Department, an affidavit of means, a bail bond and recent passport photographs.
In addition, Nnaji was ordered to deposit both his official and international Nigerian passports with the court registry.
The judge adjourned the matter until September 21 for the commencement of trial.
According to the charge, the ICPC alleged that Nnaji unlawfully received ₦29.58 million paid into his Fidelity Bank account as salaries and allowances while serving as minister, funds the commission said were proceeds of corruption and fraud.
The anti-graft agency also accused him of using his office to confer a corrupt advantage on himself, in violation of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Act.
The commission further alleged that Nnaji knowingly presented a fake National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate during his ministerial screening to mislead the Federal Government.
He was also accused of submitting a forged degree certificate in Microbiology/Biochemistry purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
The ICPC further alleged that he knowingly produced and used the forged NYSC certificate and university degree certificate as genuine, offenses punishable under the Penal Code.
Meanwhile, over 300 members of the non-governmental organization, Global Gender Safety and Moral Development, stormed the court in support of Nnaji’s prosecution, demanding accountability and strict adherence to the rule of law.
The group’s convener, Shuaibu Abdulkadir, said that public office requires honesty, transparency, and accountability, and urged the Attorney-General of the Federation and the ICPC to prosecute the case without fear or favor.
He maintained that no individual is above the law and called for justice to be served.
