Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge bordering on alleged certificate forgery, abuse of office and money laundering brought against him by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Following his plea, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik admitted him to bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety in like sum after the anti-graft agency raised no objection to his bail application.
The court ordered that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15, reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide evidence of salary payments, promotion, and a letter of introduction from the appropriate authority.
The surety is also required to execute a bail bond, swear to an affidavit of means and submit a recent passport photograph.
Justice Abdulmalik further directed Nnaji to surrender both his official and international passports to the court, while the registrar was ordered to verify all documents presented by the surety.
The case was adjourned until September 21 for the commencement of trial.
Earlier, ICPC prosecutor Osuobeni Akponimisingha informed the court that the prosecution was ready to proceed with the trial and had witnesses on standby.
However, defence counsel, James Onoja, SAN, urged the court to first determine his client’s pending bail application.
The prosecution did not oppose the request.
According to the charge, the ICPC accused the former minister of unlawfully receiving about N29.58 million in salaries and allowances while serving in office, allegedly knowing the funds were proceeds of corrupt practices.
The commission also alleged that he abused his office by conferring an improper benefit on himself.
In addition, Nnaji is accused of presenting forged National Youth Service Corps and university degree certificates to the Federal Government during his appointment as minister, and of knowingly using the documents as genuine.
The charges followed an investigation launched after a petition questioned the authenticity of the credentials allegedly submitted by the former minister during his nomination and screening for office.
(Editor: Roluke Ogundele)
