A Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the release of the passport of former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, to enable him travel abroad for medical reasons.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik issued the order on Monday after a motion seeking the release of Nnaji’s travel document was filed and argued by his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, SAN.
The judge granted the request and fixed October 26 for the continuation of Nnaji’s trial.
Nnaji, 63, is facing a six-count charge filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission over alleged certificate forgery, false information and corruption.
The former minister pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned on July 13 and has denied wrongdoing.
The ICPC alleges that Nnaji received ₦29,578,466.67 in salary and allowances between August 2023 and October 2025 while serving as minister.
The commission alleges that the money constituted “proceeds of unlawful acts” under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
In another count, the anti-corruption agency accused Nnaji of using his office to confer a corrupt advantage on himself by receiving the same amount as salary and allowances, contrary to the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The remaining four counts concern allegations that Nnaji forged and used false documents.
The ICPC specifically alleged that Nnaji knowingly presented a forged National Youth Service Corps certificate, numbered A231309, to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation during the documentation process for his appointment as minister.
The commission also alleged that he submitted a purported University of Nigeria, Nsukka degree certificate in Microbiology/Biochemistry, bearing Certificate No. 004501, knowing that it was false.
The prosecution further accused the former minister of making and using both certificates as genuine despite allegedly knowing they were forged.
It said the alleged offences contravened Sections 363 and 364 of the Penal Code.
The allegations remain before the court, while Nnaji has denied wrongdoing. His trial will continue on October 26.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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