The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, September 21, 2026, 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 application filed by Nnaji’s counsel, Ogwu Onoja, SAN, and adjourned the case until October 26, 2026, for continuation of trial.
Nnaji had surrendered his passport to the court after the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission arraigned him on July 13, 2026.
He was granted N20m bail with one surety in like sum and pleaded not guilty to six counts alleging certificate forgery, false information and corruption.
The ICPC alleged that Nnaji received N29,578,466.67 in salaries and allowances between August 2023 and October 2025 while serving as minister.
READ ALSO: Court Frees Sowore Passport After Striking Out Cybercrime Charges
The commission further alleged that he used his office to confer a corrupt advantage on himself through the payments.
The remaining counts concern allegations that he presented and used a National Youth Service Corps certificate bearing number A231309 and a purported University of Nigeria, Nsukka, certificate in Microbiology/Biochemistry, bearing number 004501, during his ministerial appointment process.
Nnaji has denied the allegations.
The passport ruling does not determine the criminal case, which remains pending before the court.
A similar application was granted in October 2021 when the Federal High Court allowed former Attorney-General of the Federation, Mohammed Bello Adoke, to travel abroad for medical treatment while facing money-laundering charges. His passport had also been deposited with the court as part of his bail conditions.