By Our Reporter
Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, was on Monday arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja on a six-count charge bordering on alleged certificate forgery, abuse of office and money laundering.
Nnaji, who served in the immediate past administration, pleaded not guilty to all the charges after they were read to him in court.
The charges were filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which is prosecuting the former minister over the alleged offences.
Following his plea, counsel to the defendant, James Onoja (SAN), applied for bail.
Ruling on the application, Justice Joyce Abdulmalik admitted Nnaji to bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety in like amount.
The court is expected to fix a date for the commencement of trial.
Nnaji’s arraignment follows his recent arrest and handover to the ICPC by the Department of State Services (DSS) over allegations linked to forgery and financial misconduct. The former minister has denied any wrongdoing.