The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday granted former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, permission to travel abroad for medical treatment after releasing his international passport in connection with his ongoing criminal trial.
The court order followed an application by Nnaji’s counsel, Aji Kamale, requesting the release of the passport to enable the former minister seek medical attention outside the country.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who presided over the matter, granted the request in a brief ruling and directed that the passport be released to Nnaji.
The judge subsequently adjourned the case until October 26 for continuation of proceedings.
Nnaji is standing trial before the court on a six-count charge filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), bordering on alleged certificate forgery, false information and corruption-related offences.
The former minister pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned on July 13.
In the charge marked FHC/ABJ/CR/391/2026, the ICPC alleged that between August 2023 and October 2025, Nnaji received N29.58 million in salaries and allowances paid into his Fidelity Bank account while serving as a minister.
The commission alleged that he ought to have known that the funds were proceeds linked to unlawful acts, including corruption and fraud.
The ICPC stated that the alleged offence contravened Section 18(2)(d) and is punishable under Section 18(3) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The anti-corruption agency also accused Nnaji of using his office to confer a corrupt advantage on himself, an allegation it said violated Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The prosecution further alleged that the former minister presented false documents during the process leading to his appointment as a member of the Federal Executive Council.
Among the allegations was the claim that Nnaji knowingly presented a false National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The ICPC also alleged that he presented a Microbiology/Biochemistry degree certificate purportedly issued by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, which the commission described as false.
Other counts in the charge relate to alleged forgery and the use of documents suspected by the prosecution to be invalid, including an NYSC certificate numbered A231309 and a university degree certificate.
The prosecution alleged that the acts contravened Sections 363 and 364 of the Penal Code.
Nnaji has denied the allegations, and the matter remains before the Federal High Court for trial.
