Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, has pleaded not guilty to charges of alleged certificate forgery, money laundering and abuse of office filed against him 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 on a six-count charge bordering on the alleged use of forged academic credentials, false declaration and unlawful financial gains while serving as a minister.
The anti-graft agency alleged that Nnaji presented forged degree and National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificates to secure his ministerial appointment. He was also accused of receiving about N29.58 million in salaries and allowances as proceeds of the alleged unlawful appointment.
The former minister pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Following his plea, the court granted him bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety, who must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15 and meet other conditions set by the court. Nnaji was also ordered to surrender his international passport pending the determination of the case.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently adjourned the matter until September 21 for the commencement of trial.
