Former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, has been granted bail in the sum of N20 million by a Federal High Court in Abuja, following his arraignment on six counts of alleged forgery and conferring corrupt advantage upon himself while in office.
Nnaji was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) before Justice Joyce Abdulmalik and pleaded not guilty to all six counts.
Prosecution Ready to Proceed, Defence Seeks TimeAfter the plea was taken, the prosecution informed the court that it had three witnesses on standby and was prepared to commence trial.
However, counsel to the former minister, James Onoja SAN, told the court that a bail application had already been filed and needed to be moved, adding that the defence required time to prepare for trial.
The prosecution raised no objection to the application. Court Sets Strict Bail ConditionsIn a brief ruling, Justice Abdulmalik granted Nnaji bail in the sum of N20 million, with one surety in like sum, subject to the following conditions: The surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and have done so for at least four years.
The surety must deposit an affidavit of lease for the property in questionThe surety must be a federal civil servant at grade level 15 or above, with evidence of salary for the past three months
The surety must submit a letter of employment, a letter from their head of department, and a recent passport photographThe defendant must deposit his travel documents with the court
The case has been adjourned until 21st September for trial.
