The Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, has granted a motion allowing former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, to travel abroad for medical treatment. This decision was made after Nnaji's counsel, Chief Ogwu Onoja, filed a motion seeking the release of his client's international passport. Nnaji, 63, is currently standing trial on six counts related to alleged certificate forgery, false information, and corruption.
Nnaji was arraigned on July 13 on charges filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC). The charges, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/391/2026, include allegations that Nnaji received N29,578,466.67 as salary and allowances through a bank account described as proceeds of unlawful acts. The ICPC also alleges that Nnaji used his office to confer a corrupt advantage on himself by receiving the same amount as salary and allowances.
The ICPC's charges further detail allegations of certificate forgery and the making and use of false documents. Nnaji is accused of knowingly presenting a forged National Youth Service Corps certificate to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation during his ministerial appointment documentation process. Additionally, he is alleged to have submitted a purported University of Nigeria, Nsukka degree certificate in Microbiology/Biochemistry, bearing Certificate No. 004501, knowing it to be false.
The prosecution did not oppose Nnaji's bail application, leaving the matter to the court's discretion. Justice Abdulmalik subsequently granted him bail in the sum of N20 million with one surety in like sum. The court ordered that the surety 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.
As part of the bail conditions, the court had initially ordered Nnaji to deposit his international passport and any other travel documents with the court. However, in a fresh ruling on Monday, Justice Abdulmalik ordered the release of the passport to enable the former minister to travel abroad for medical treatment. This decision allows Nnaji to seek medical care outside the country while his trial continues.
The case has been adjourned until October 26, 2026, for the continuation of the trial. Nnaji's legal team had argued that his client's health condition required urgent medical attention abroad, which influenced the court's decision to release his passport. The ICPC's allegations against Nnaji involve serious corruption and forgery charges, which will be addressed in court as the trial progresses.
The release of Nnaji's passport for medical treatment highlights the balance between allowing a defendant to access necessary medical care and ensuring that justice is served through the continuation of his trial. Key aspects of the case include the serious allegations of corruption and forgery against a high-ranking former minister and the court's consideration of both the defendant's health and the need for a fair trial.
Key points
- The court granted Nnaji bail with specific conditions, including a N20 million bond and a surety who is a Federal Government civil servant.
- Nnaji faces six counts related to alleged certificate forgery, false information, and corruption.
- The case has been adjourned until October 26, 2026, for the continuation of the trial.
