Former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, has been granted ₦20 million bail by the Federal High Court in Abuja after pleading not guilty to a six-count charge bordering on alleged forgery and conferring corrupt advantage on himself.
Nnaji was arraigned on Monday by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who subsequently admitted him to bail under strict conditions pending the commencement of his trial.
The former minister is facing allegations of forgery and abuse of office. However, he denied all six counts when they were read in court.
Following his plea, counsel to the ICPC informed the court that the prosecution was fully prepared to proceed with the case, adding that three witnesses were already present to testify.
However, Nnaji’s lead counsel, James Onoja (SAN), urged the court first to consider the defence’s bail application and requested additional time to prepare for trial adequately. The prosecution did not oppose the request.
In her ruling, Justice Abdulmalik granted the former minister bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety in like sum.
The court also outlined several conditions the surety must meet before the bail can take effect.
According to the ruling, the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and have lived there continuously for at least four years. The individual is also required to submit an affidavit confirming the lease of their residence.
In addition, the court directed that the surety must be a Federal Government employee on Grade Level 15, provide evidence of having received salary for the previous three months, and submit a letter of employment, a letter from the head of department, and a recent passport photograph to the court.
Justice Abdulmalik further ordered Nnaji to surrender all his travel documents to the court as part of the bail conditions.
With the bail application settled, attention now shifts to the substantive trial, where the ICPC is expected to present evidence in support of the allegations against the former minister.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until September 21, when proceedings are expected to resume.
The case adds to a growing list of anti-corruption prosecutions involving current and former public officials, as the ICPC continues to fulfil its mandate to investigate and prosecute allegations of corruption and abuse of office.
As the trial progresses, the court will determine whether the prosecution can establish the allegations beyond reasonable doubt. Until then, Nnaji remains presumed innocent under Nigerian law, having entered a not guilty plea to all charges.
