The immediate past 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 before a Federal High Court in Abuja.
Nnaji was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik on the charges.
At the commencement of proceedings, the charges were read to the former minister, who entered a plea of not guilty to all six counts.
Following his plea, defence counsel, James Onoja (SAN), urged the court to admit his client to bail. The prosecution did not oppose the application.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently granted Nnaji bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety in like amount. The court directed that the surety must satisfy conditions set by the court before the former minister can enjoy the bail.
The case was adjourned to a later date for the commencement of trial.
