The Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed September 21 for the commencement of trial in the case against the immediate past Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, who is facing a six-count charge bordering on alleged certificate forgery, abuse of office and money laundering.
Nnaji was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik and pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Shortly after his plea, prosecuting counsel, Dr. Osuobeni Akponimisingha, informed the court that the prosecution was ready to proceed with trial.
However, defence counsel, James Onoja (SAN), objected, stating that the defence was not ready because its pending bail application had not been determined.
Dr. Akponimisingha said the prosecution would not oppose the application and would leave the decision to the court’s discretion.
Onoja then moved the application, urging the court to admit his client to bail.
Justice Abdulmalik granted Nnaji bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety in like sum.
As part of the bail conditions, the judge ordered the former minister to deposit both his official and international passports with the court.
She also directed the court registrar to verify all documents submitted by the surety before the bail conditions could be deemed fulfilled.
The court thereafter adjourned the matter until September 21 for the commencement of trial.
