A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted permission to former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, to travel abroad for medical treatment. The court ordered the release of his international passport to facilitate his travel. This decision was made by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who adjourned the case until October 26, 2026, for continuation of trial. Nnaji is facing a six-count charge filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
Nnaji, 63, is accused of unlawfully receiving ₦29.58 million in salary and allowances while serving as minister and using his office to confer a corrupt advantage on himself. The ICPC also alleged that he presented forged NYSC and University of Nigeria, Nsukka certificates during the documentation process for his ministerial appointment. Nnaji pleaded not guilty to all six counts. The case has been ongoing since his arraignment on July 13, 2026.
The ICPC alleged that between August 2023 and October 2025, Nnaji received ₦29,578,466.67 as salary and allowances through a bank account. The commission described the money as proceeds of unlawful acts under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. In the second count, the anti-corruption agency accused Nnaji of using his office to confer a corrupt advantage on himself by receiving the same sum.
The remaining four counts relate to allegations of certificate forgery and the making and use of false documents. The ICPC accused Nnaji of knowingly presenting a forged National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) certificate and a University of Nigeria, Nsukka certificate in Microbiology/Biochemistry, bearing Certificate No. 004501, knowing it to be false. The commission also accused him of making and using both certificates as genuine despite allegedly knowing that they were forged.
Nnaji was admitted to bail in the sum of ₦20 million, with one surety in like sum. As part of the bail conditions, the court stipulated 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 directed to produce evidence of employment, including a letter of appointment and salary slips for the preceding three months.
The court had directed Nnaji to deposit his international passport and all other travel documents with the court. However, following his application to travel abroad for medical treatment, the court granted the request and ordered the release of his passport. The case has been adjourned until October 26, 2026, for continuation of trial.
The development is a significant turn in the case against Nnaji, who has been facing trial since his arraignment in July. The court's decision to grant him permission to travel abroad for medical treatment is seen as a temporary reprieve for the former minister. The case is expected to continue on October 26, 2026.
Key points
- The court granted Nnaji's request to travel abroad for medical treatment while his trial continues.
- Nnaji is facing a six-count charge filed by the ICPC, including allegations of certificate forgery and money laundering.
- The case has been adjourned until October 26, 2026, for continuation of trial.
