A former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr Uche Nnaji, has been arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over alleged money laundering, corruption and forgery.
Nnaji appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on Monday on a six-count charge and pleaded not guilty to all allegations.
Following his plea, ICPC counsel, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, sought to commence trial, noting that three prosecution witnesses were present in court. However, defence counsel, Ogwu Onoja (SAN), requested time to study the charges and prepare his client’s defence. He also applied for bail.
The prosecution did not oppose the application, and the court subsequently granted Nnaji bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety in like sum.
Justice Abdulmalik ordered that the surety must be a Federal Civil Servant not below Grade Level 15 within the court’s jurisdiction and provide proof of salary payments for at least three months, evidence of pensionable employment, an affidavit of means and recent passport photographs. The defendant was also directed to deposit both his official and international passports with the court.
The matter was adjourned until September 21, 2026, for commencement of trial.
According to the ICPC, Nnaji allegedly received N29.58 million in salaries and allowances while serving as minister, funds the commission claimed he reasonably ought to have known were proceeds of unlawful acts.
The anti-graft agency also accused him of using his office to confer a corrupt advantage on himself and of presenting false academic and NYSC certificates during his appointment process.
The commission alleged that he submitted a forged NYSC Certificate of National Service and a false degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Meanwhile, members of the Global Gender Safety and Moral Development organisation gathered at the court premises in support of the arraignment, calling for accountability and adherence to the rule of law.
