Court Releases Ex-Minister Nnaji’s Passport For Medical Treatment Abroad
The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the release of the international passport of former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, to enable him travel abroad for medical treatment.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the order on Monday after hearing an application filed by Nnaji’s counsel, Chief Ogwu Onoja (SAN).
Nnaji, 63, is currently facing a six-count charge brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations bordering on certificate forgery, false information and corruption.
He pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned on July 13, 2026.
The case, filed as FHC/ABJ/CR/391/2026, includes allegations that Nnaji received N29,578,466.67 in salary and allowances between August 2023 and October 2025 while serving as minister.
The ICPC alleged that the money was received through a bank account and constituted proceeds of unlawful acts under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The commission also accused the former minister of using his office to confer a corrupt advantage on himself by receiving the said salary and allowances, contrary to the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The remaining four counts concern alleged forgery and the use of false documents.
According to the ICPC, Nnaji knowingly presented a forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation during the documentation process for his ministerial appointment.
The commission further alleged that he submitted a purported University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) degree certificate in Microbiology/Biochemistry, bearing Certificate No. 004501, knowing it to be false.
It also alleged that Nnaji made and used the NYSC and UNN certificates as genuine despite allegedly knowing that they were forged.
The prosecution did not oppose his bail application, leaving the matter to the discretion of the court.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently granted Nnaji bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety in like sum.
The surety, according to the bail conditions, must be a Federal Government 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 provide proof of employment, including a letter of appointment and salary slips for the preceding three months.
As part of the conditions, the court ordered Nnaji to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the court.
However, following the fresh application for its release, Justice Abdulmalik granted permission for the passport to be released to enable the former minister travel abroad for medical treatment.
The court adjourned the case until October 26, 2026, for continuation of trial.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the order on Monday after hearing an application filed by Nnaji’s counsel, Chief Ogwu Onoja (SAN).
Nnaji, 63, is currently facing a six-count charge brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations bordering on certificate forgery, false information and corruption.
He pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned on July 13, 2026.
The case, filed as FHC/ABJ/CR/391/2026, includes allegations that Nnaji received N29,578,466.67 in salary and allowances between August 2023 and October 2025 while serving as minister.
The ICPC alleged that the money was received through a bank account and constituted proceeds of unlawful acts under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The commission also accused the former minister of using his office to confer a corrupt advantage on himself by receiving the said salary and allowances, contrary to the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The remaining four counts concern alleged forgery and the use of false documents.
According to the ICPC, Nnaji knowingly presented a forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation during the documentation process for his ministerial appointment.
The commission further alleged that he submitted a purported University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) degree certificate in Microbiology/Biochemistry, bearing Certificate No. 004501, knowing it to be false.
It also alleged that Nnaji made and used the NYSC and UNN certificates as genuine despite allegedly knowing that they were forged.
The prosecution did not oppose his bail application, leaving the matter to the discretion of the court.
Justice Abdulmalik subsequently granted Nnaji bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety in like sum.
The surety, according to the bail conditions, must be a Federal Government 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 provide proof of employment, including a letter of appointment and salary slips for the preceding three months.
As part of the conditions, the court ordered Nnaji to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the court.
However, following the fresh application for its release, Justice Abdulmalik granted permission for the passport to be released to enable the former minister travel abroad for medical treatment.
The court adjourned the case until October 26, 2026, for continuation of trial.
