ABUJA, July 13, 2026 — Former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji, on Monday pleaded not guilty to a six-count charge filed against him before the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The arraignment marked the formal commencement of criminal proceedings and afforded the defendant the opportunity to respond to the allegations. Chief Nnaji entered a plea of not guilty to all six counts, signaling his intention to contest every allegation through the judicial process.
Following arguments by counsel, the court admitted the former minister to bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety, subject to conditions set by the court. The matter was subsequently adjourned until September 21, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
Speaking through his legal team after the proceedings, Chief Nnaji reaffirmed his confidence in Nigeria’s judicial system and his unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
He stated that he welcomes the opportunity to present his defence before the court and remains confident that the evidence will ultimately vindicate him.
The legal team emphasized that an arraignment is not a finding of guilt, but merely the constitutional process by which an accused person is informed of the allegations against him and invited to enter a plea.
They further noted that, under Nigerian law, every person charged with an offence is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Chief Nnaji, the legal team said, intends to fully cooperate with the court throughout the proceedings while vigorously defending his integrity and reputation.
According to the defence, the former minister is determined to clear his name, stressing that his name represents not only his personal reputation but also his family, associates and the many people who have placed their confidence in him over decades of public and private service.
“The court is the proper forum for determining the truth of the allegations,” the legal team said. “Chief Nnaji has every confidence that the judicial process will afford him a fair hearing, and he looks forward to the opportunity to clear his name.”
The prosecution informed the court that it was prepared to proceed with trial, while the defence indicated that it was not ready for an immediate hearing following the arraignment. The court thereafter fixed September 21, 2026, for trial.
Chief Nnaji was granted bail on conditions that include a ₦20 million bail bond with one qualified surety, together with other documentary requirements to be satisfied before the court registry.
With the arraignment now concluded, attention shifts to the trial, where the prosecution bears the legal burden of proving the allegations beyond reasonable doubt, while the defendant remains entitled to the full protection of the constitutional presumption of innocence.
Until the court reaches a final determination based on the evidence presented, Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji remains innocent in the eyes of the law.
