Court releases ex-minister Nnaji’s passport for overseas medical treatment

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, according to Channels Television. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik made the order after a motion filed by Nnaji’s counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Ogwu Onoja, was presented in court. The judge fixed October 26 for the continuation of the trial.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission arraigned Nnaji on July 13 on six counts. The charges concern alleged certificate forgery, false information and corruption. Nnaji pleaded not guilty.

The ICPC alleges that Nnaji received ₦29,578,466.67 in salary and allowances between August 2023 and October 2025 while serving as minister. It described the money as proceeds of unlawful acts and also accused him of using his office to obtain a corrupt advantage. The remaining allegations involve purportedly forged National Youth Service Corps and University of Nigeria certificates.

The commission alleges that Nnaji presented and used the documents as genuine despite knowing they were false. The court previously granted him bail of ₦20 million, with one surety in the same amount. The surety must be a federal civil servant at least on Grade Level 15 and provide employment and salary documentation.

The court had also ordered Nnaji to deposit his travel documents, before now releasing the international passport. The prosecution has said it has three witnesses ready to testify.