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 after Nnaji’s counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Ogwu Onoja, moved an application seeking the release of the travel document.
In a brief ruling, Justice Abdulmalik ordered the release of the passport and fixed October 26 for continuation of the trial.
The passport had earlier been deposited with the court following Nnaji’s arraignment by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC.
The former minister was arraigned on July 13 on a six-count charge bordering on alleged certificate forgery, false information and corruption.
Nnaji pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The ICPC alleged that Nnaji received ₦29,578,466.67 in salary and allowances between August 2023 and October 2025 while serving as minister.
The commission alleged that the money constituted proceeds of unlawful acts and accused him of using his office to confer a corrupt advantage on himself.
The remaining counts concern alleged forgery and the alleged making and use of false documents.
The ICPC alleged that Nnaji presented a forged National Youth Service Corps certificate to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation during the documentation process for his ministerial appointment.
It also alleged that he submitted a purported University of Nigeria, Nsukka certificate in Microbiology/Biochemistry, which the prosecution claimed was false.
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The commission further accused Nnaji of making and using the documents as genuine despite allegedly knowing that they were forged.
Nnaji has denied the allegations by pleading not guilty.
Following his arraignment, Justice Abdulmalik granted him bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety in like sum.
The court directed that the surety must be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15 and must have maintained a fixed place of residence for at least four years.
The surety was also required to present evidence of employment, including a letter of appointment and salary slips for the last three months.
The court has adjourned the case until October 26 for continuation of trial.
