Forgery trial: Court grants ex-minister Nnaji passport for medical trip

The Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, permission to travel abroad for medical treatment by releasing his international passport. The judge made this decision on Monday after hearing a motion filed by Nnaji's legal counsel, Chief Ogwu Onoja (SAN). Nnaji is currently on trial at the court, facing six charges, including alleged certificate forgery, false information, and corruption.

The charges stem from a six-count complaint filed by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/391/2026, alleges that between August 2023 and October 2025, while in office, Nnaji received N29,578,466.67 as salary and allowances, which the ICPC claimed were proceeds of unlawful activities, in violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

In addition, the commission accused Nnaji of using his position to confer a corrupt advantage on himself and of forging and using forged National Youth Service Corps and University of Nigeria, Nsukka degree certificates. The court previously ordered Nnaji to deposit his international passport and other travel documents with the court as part of the bail conditions.

However, Justice Abdulmalik ruled on Monday that the passport could be released to facilitate Nnaji's medical trip abroad. The case was adjourned until October 26, 2026, for further proceedings.