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 after he was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The proceedings marked the formal commencement of the case against the former minister, with the court reading the charges and inviting him to respond in accordance with criminal procedure. Chief Nnaji denied each of the six counts, setting the stage for a full trial in which the allegations against him will be contested.
After hearing submissions from counsel representing both the prosecution and the defence, the court admitted Chief Nnaji to bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one qualified surety. The bail was granted subject to conditions imposed by the court, including documentary requirements to be completed before the court registry.
The matter was subsequently adjourned until September 21, 2026, when trial is scheduled to commence.
Following the arraignment, Chief Nnaji spoke through his legal team, reaffirming his confidence in Nigeria’s judicial system and expressing his willingness to defend himself through the legal process.
According to his lawyers, the former minister believes the court will provide an impartial platform for the facts to be examined and remains confident that the evidence to be presented during the trial will establish his innocence.
The defence stressed that Monday’s proceedings represented only the arraignment of the defendant and not a determination of guilt. Counsel explained that under Nigeria’s criminal justice system, an arraignment is the constitutional procedure through which an accused person is formally informed of the charges before the court and given the opportunity to enter a plea.
They maintained that no adverse conclusion should be drawn from the filing of charges alone, emphasizing that every accused person remains entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence until a court of competent jurisdiction reaches a final decision.
The legal team further stated that Chief Nnaji intends to cooperate fully with the court throughout the proceedings while vigorously defending both his integrity and his reputation.
According to the defence, the former minister considers the case an opportunity to clear his name through due process, noting that his reputation has been built over several decades of service in both the public and private sectors.
They argued that his name represents more than his personal standing, saying it reflects his family, professional associates, longstanding relationships and the confidence reposed in him by many individuals throughout his career.
“The court is the proper forum for determining the truth of the allegations,” the legal team said.
They added that Chief Nnaji has every confidence that the judicial process will guarantee him a fair hearing and provide him with the opportunity to answer each allegation contained in the charge.
During the hearing, counsel for the prosecution informed the court that it was prepared to proceed with trial. The defence, however, indicated that it was not ready for an immediate hearing following the arraignment.
After considering the positions of both parties, the court fixed September 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
As part of the conditions attached to his release, Chief Nnaji is required to execute a ₦20 million bail bond with one qualified surety and comply with all documentary requirements directed by the court before perfecting his bail.
With the arraignment concluded, the matter now proceeds to the evidentiary stage, where the prosecution will be required to prove each count beyond reasonable doubt in accordance with Nigerian law. The defence will have the opportunity to cross-examine prosecution witnesses, challenge the evidence presented and call witnesses in support of its case.
Legal proceedings are expected to continue when the parties return to court in September. Until the Federal High Court reaches a final determination based on the evidence presented during trial, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji remains presumed innocent under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the applicable provisions of Nigerian law.
