Ex-Minister Uch Nnaji Arraigned on Corruption Charges

Uch Nnaji, the former Minister of Science and Technology, was arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja on six counts related to alleged forgery, money laundering, and corruption. The charges, brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), include allegations that Nnaji took possession of N29.58 million from a Fidelity Bank account and presented false documents, including a National Youth Service Corps certificate and a microbiology degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Nnaji pleaded not guilty to all charges. His counsel, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, requested time to prepare for trial, while the court granted Nnaji bail of N20 million, with specific conditions regarding sureties.

The trial is scheduled to begin on September 21. Additionally, around 300 members of a non-governmental organization, Global Gender Safety and Moral Development, gathered to support Nnaji and called for accountability in the enforcement of the rule of law.