Passport Released for Medical Treatment as ICPC Trial Adjourned to October 26
Justice Joyce Abdulmalik of the Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the release of the international passport of former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji.
The order followed a motion filed by his counsel, Chief Ogwu Onoja (SAN), seeking the release of the passport to enable Nnaji to travel abroad for medical treatment.
In a brief ruling, Justice Abdulmalik granted the application and fixed October 26 for continuation of the trial.
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) had on July 13 arraigned Nnaji on a six-count charge bordering on alleged certificate forgery, false information and corruption.
Nnaji pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The ICPC alleged that between August 2023 and October 2025, while serving as minister, Nnaji received ₦29.57 million in salary and allowances, which the commission described as proceeds of unlawful acts under the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
The commission also accused him of using his office to confer a corrupt advantage on himself by receiving the same amount as salary and allowances.
The remaining counts relate to alleged forgery and use of false documents, including an NYSC certificate and a purported University of Nigeria, Nsukka degree certificate in Microbiology/Biochemistry.
Nnaji was previously granted bail in the sum of ₦20 million with one surety in like sum. The court had also ordered him to deposit his international passport and other travel documents pending the trial.
The prosecution did not oppose the application for the release of the passport, leaving the decision to the discretion of the court.