The Federal High Court in Abuja has released the international passport of former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, to enable him travel abroad for medical treatment.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the request on Monday after counsel to Nnaji, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ogwu Onoja, moved a motion seeking the release of the travel document.
The judge also fixed October 26 for the continuation of Nnaji’s trial.
Nnaji Faces Six-Count ICPC Charge
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) arraigned the former minister on July 13 on a six-count charge involving alleged certificate forgery, false information and corruption.
Nnaji pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The ICPC alleged that between August 2023 and October 2025, while serving as minister, Nnaji received ₦29,578,466.67 as salary and allowances through a bank account.
The commission described the money as proceeds of unlawful acts, alleging a violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
ICPC Alleges Forged Certificates
In another count, the anti-graft agency accused Nnaji of using his office to confer a corrupt advantage on himself by receiving the same salary and allowances.
The remaining counts concern alleged forgery and the use of false documents.
The ICPC alleged that Nnaji knowingly presented a forged National Youth Service Corps certificate, numbered A231309, to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation during the documentation process for his ministerial appointment.
The commission also alleged that he submitted a purported University of Nigeria, Nsukka degree certificate in Microbiology/Biochemistry, bearing Certificate No. 004501, knowing it to be false.
It further accused him of making and using both certificates as genuine despite allegedly knowing that they were forged, contrary to Sections 363 and 364 of the Penal Code.
Court Earlier Granted N20m Bail
After the charges were read, Nnaji’s counsel informed the court that he had filed a bail application.
ICPC counsel, Osuobeni Akponimisingha, said the prosecution was ready to begin the trial and had three witnesses prepared to testify.
However, he did not oppose the bail application and left the decision to the court.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently granted Nnaji bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety in like sum.
The judge directed that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15 and must have maintained a fixed residence for at least four years.
The surety must also provide evidence of employment, including a letter of appointment and salary slips for the preceding three months.
The court ordered the relevant government authority to verify the surety’s employment status.
Justice Abdulmalik also directed Nnaji to deposit his international passport and all other travel documents with the court, a condition that has now been relaxed to allow him travel abroad for medical treatment.
