By Peter Omopo
A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, bail in the sum of N20 million after he pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge bordering on alleged forgery and conferring corrupt advantage on himself while serving as a minister.
Nnaji was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik.
Following the defendant’s plea, counsel for the prosecution informed the court that three witnesses were present and ready to testify, indicating the commission’s readiness to commence trial.
However, defence counsel, James Onoja (SAN), urged the court to hear a pending bail application, stating that the defence required additional time to prepare for trial. The prosecution did not oppose the request.
In a brief ruling, Justice Abdulmalik admitted Nnaji to bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety in like sum.
The court ordered that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and must have lived there for at least four years. The surety is also required to file an affidavit of lease for the property presented to the court.
Additionally, the surety must be a federal civil servant on Grade Level 15, provide evidence of salary payments for the last three months, and submit a letter of employment, a letter from the head of department, and a recent passport photograph.
Justice Abdulmalik further directed the former minister to surrender his travel documents to the court as part of the bail conditions.
The case was adjourned until September 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
