A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Uche Nnaji, bail in the sum of ₦20 million over an alleged forgery case.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the former minister bail after he pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), which accused him of forgery and conferring corrupt advantage on himself while in office.
After Nnaji entered his plea, the prosecution told the court it had three witnesses ready to testify and was prepared to commence trial.
However, his counsel, James Onoja (SAN), urged the court to hear the defence’s bail application and requested more time to prepare for trial. The prosecution did not oppose the application.
As part of the bail conditions, the court ordered that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, have lived there for at least four years, and submit an affidavit of lease for the property.
The surety must also be a federal civil servant on Grade Level 15, provide evidence of three months’ salary, and deposit a letter of employment, a letter from the head of department, and a recent passport photograph with the court.
Justice Abdulmalik also directed Nnaji to surrender his travel documents to the court.
The case was adjourned until September 21 for trial.
View this post on Instagram
