The Federal High Court in Abuja has released the international passport of former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, allowing him to travel abroad for medical treatment.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the application on Monday after Nnaji’s counsel, Chief Ogwu Onoja, SAN, moved a motion seeking the release of the travel document.
The judge, in a brief ruling, granted the request and fixed October 26, 2026, for continuation of the former minister’s trial.
Nnaji is facing a six-count charge filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over alleged certificate forgery, false information and corruption.
He pleaded not guilty to all the charges when he was arraigned on July 13.
The ICPC alleged that Nnaji received N29.57 million in salary and allowances between August 2023 and October 2025 while serving as minister, describing the payments as proceeds of unlawful acts.
The commission also accused him of using his office to confer a corrupt advantage on himself.
Four other counts relate to allegations that Nnaji presented and used a forged NYSC certificate and a purported University of Nigeria, Nsukka, degree certificate during the process of his appointment as minister.
Nnaji has denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty.
Following his arraignment, Justice Abdulmalik granted him bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety in like sum and ordered him to surrender his international passport and other travel documents to the court.
The latest ruling temporarily clears the way for him to travel abroad for the medical treatment while the criminal proceedings continue.
The court is expected to resume the trial on October 26.