Court Allows Ex-Minister Nnaji to Travel Abroad for Medical Treatment

A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology Uche Nnaji permission to travel abroad for medical treatment while his trial on corruption and certificate forgery charges continues. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik ordered the release of Nnaji's international passport on Monday, September 21, 2026, following a motion filed by his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria. The court's decision allows Nnaji, 63, to leave Nigeria for medical care abroad. The passport had been deposited with the court as a condition of his bail, which was granted in July after he pleaded not guilty to the charges. The trial has been adjourned until October 26, 2026. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) is prosecuting Nnaji on six counts. The charges allege he forged academic certificates and received N29.58 million in unlawful salary and allowances between August 2023 and October 2025 while serving as minister. The commission accuses him of using his office to confer a corrupt advantage on himself.