The Federal High Court in Abuja has approved the request of former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, to travel outside Nigeria for medical treatment.
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik, who presided over the matter on Monday, ordered that Nnaji’s international passport be released to enable him undertake the medical trip.
The decision followed a motion filed by Nnaji’s counsel, Ogwu Onoja, SAN, requesting the temporary release of the travel document.
After hearing the application, Justice Abdulmalik granted the request and subsequently fixed October 26 for the continuation of Nnaji’s trial.
Nnaji, 63, is currently facing a six-count charge brought by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
The former minister pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned on allegations bordering on certificate forgery, making and using false documents, false information and corruption.
The ICPC alleges that between August 2023 and October 2025, Nnaji received about N29.58 million in salaries and allowances while serving as minister, which the commission described as proceeds of unlawful acts.
The anti-graft agency also accused him of using his office to confer a corrupt advantage on himself through the receipt of the money.
Four other counts concern alleged forgery and the use of purportedly false credentials, including an NYSC certificate and a University of Nigeria, Nsukka, degree certificate.
According to the prosecution, Nnaji allegedly presented the documents during the documentation process for his appointment as a minister, despite allegedly knowing that they were forged.
Nnaji has pleaded not guilty to all the allegations, and the case remains before the Federal High Court for trial.
The court’s latest ruling allows him to leave the country for medical treatment while the criminal proceedings continue, with the next hearing scheduled for October 26.
