Former Minister Indicted on Corruption Charges
Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, was indicted on six charges related to money laundering, corruption, forgery, and the use of false documents on Monday.
Arraignment at Federal High Court
Nnaji appeared before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC) brought the charges against him.
Not Guilty Plea and Trial Proceedings
Upon hearing the charges, Nnaji entered a not guilty plea. The prosecution, led by Mr. Osobeni Akponimisinghe, requested the court to commence with the trial, noting that three witnesses were prepared to testify.
Defense’s Request for Bail Consideration
Representing the defendant, Mr. Ogwu Onoja (SAN) emphasized the need for adequate time to review the charges and prepare Nnaji for trial. He also submitted a bail application for consideration.
Court Grants Bail with Conditions
Mr. Akponimisinghe indicated that he did not oppose the bail application, allowing the court to make the final decision. Justice Abdulmalik subsequently approved bail for Nnaji at NOK 20 million, requiring one surety of the same amount. The proposed surety must be a federal civil servant at grade level 15 or higher and must submit evidence of previous salary payments.
Further Bail Conditions Outlined
Additional bail requirements include the surety submitting an affidavit of means, signing a bail bond, and providing a recent passport photo. Nnaji is also required to deposit a valid Nigerian official passport and a current international passport with the court registry. The case has been adjourned until September 21 for trial to commence.
Details of the Allegations Against Nnaji
The indictment alleges that Nnaji had N29.58 million credited to his Fidelity Bank account as salary during his tenure as minister, funds the ICPC claims were sourced from illicit activities such as corruption and fraud. These allegations violate sections of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022.
Additional Charges of Misrepresentation
The ICPC also accuses Nnaji of leveraging his ministerial position to gain corrupt benefits, a violation of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Act 2000. Furthermore, he is charged with presenting a false National Youth Service Corps certificate and a forged degree in microbiology and biochemistry. In total, the charges span several counts of forgery, with serious legal ramifications outlined in the Nigerian Penal Code.
Public Support and Calls for Accountability
Amid the court proceedings, over 300 members of the Global Gender Safety and Moral Development NGO rallied in support of Nnaji, urging enforcement of the law and accountability in public office. Their convener, Shuaib Abdulkadir, underscored the importance of integrity in public service and called upon authorities to uphold justice impartially, asserting that no individual should be exempt from legal scrutiny.
