ABUJA, July 13, 2026 — Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, on Monday pleaded not guilty to a six-count criminal charge brought against him before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The arraignment marked the official commencement of the criminal proceedings, with the court reading the charges to the former minister and inviting him to enter his plea. Chief Nnaji responded by pleading not guilty to each of the six counts, indicating his decision to challenge the allegations through the judicial process.
Following arguments by counsel for both parties, the court granted the former minister bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one qualified surety. The court also directed that the defendant satisfy all documentary and administrative conditions attached to the bail before it is perfected.
Justice thereafter adjourned the matter until September 21, 2026, when the case is expected to proceed to trial.
Speaking after the proceedings through members of his legal team, Chief Nnaji expressed confidence in Nigeria’s judicial system and reaffirmed his commitment to the rule of law throughout the case.
According to his lawyers, the former minister welcomes the opportunity to defend himself before the court and remains convinced that the evidence to be presented during the trial will establish his innocence.
The defence explained that the arraignment should not be interpreted as proof of wrongdoing, stressing that it is a constitutional procedure designed to notify an accused person of the allegations filed against them and provide an opportunity to respond by entering a plea.
They maintained that under Nigerian law, every defendant enjoys the constitutional presumption of innocence and remains innocent until a court of competent jurisdiction reaches a verdict based on the evidence presented during trial.
Chief Nnaji’s legal team also stated that he intends to cooperate fully with the court throughout the proceedings while vigorously defending his integrity, reputation and public record.
According to the defence, the former minister is determined to clear his name because his reputation reflects decades of service in both the public and private sectors. They noted that his name carries significance not only for him personally but also for his family, professional associates and the many individuals who have entrusted him with responsibilities over the years.
“The court is the proper forum for determining the truth of the allegations,” the legal team said.
They added that Chief Nnaji has complete confidence that the judicial process will guarantee him a fair hearing and provide him with the opportunity to answer every allegation contained in the charge.
During the proceedings, counsel for the prosecution informed the court that the government was ready to commence trial. The defence, however, indicated that it was not prepared for an immediate hearing following the arraignment, prompting the court to adjourn the matter to September 21, 2026.
As part of the bail conditions, Chief Nnaji is required to provide a ₦20 million bail bond with one qualified surety and comply with every condition stipulated by the court before the registry.
With the arraignment completed, the proceedings now move to the trial stage, where both parties will have the opportunity to present their respective cases before the court. The prosecution bears the legal burden of proving each count beyond reasonable doubt, while the defence will be entitled to challenge the evidence and present its own case.
The outcome of the matter will ultimately depend on the evidence presented before the court during trial. Until a final judgment is delivered, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji remains presumed innocent under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the applicable provisions of Nigerian law.
