By Kamsi Anayo
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on Monday arraigned former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, for certificate forgery, abuse of office and money laundering.
The anti-graft agency arraigned the 63-year-old on six charges before Judge Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
Counts three, four, five and six centre on certificate forgery, while the first two counts allege misappropriation of public funds by the former minister during his tenure in office.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Justice Abdulmalik granted him bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety.
The judge ordered that the surety must be a resident of a verifiable address within the court’s jurisdiction.
The surety must also be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15 and provide evidence of salary payment for at least three months.
The court further directed the surety to deposit original letter of appointment, evidence of promotion to the current grade level and a letter of introduction from the head of department.
The surety is also required to execute a bail bond, depose to an affidavit of means and deposit a recent passport photograph with the court.
Abdulmalik ordered Nnaji to submit his passport to the court’s registry and directed the court registrar to verify all documents submitted by the surety.
The judge adjourned the case until Sept. 21, 2026 for trial.
