A Federal High Court in Abuja has released the international passport of former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, allowing him to travel abroad for medical treatment while his criminal trial continues.

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik granted the application on Monday following a request by Nnaji’s counsel, Chief Ogwu Onoja, SAN, seeking the temporary release of the travel document.

The court subsequently adjourned the case until October 26, 2026, for continuation of trial.

Nnaji’s passport had been deposited with the court as part of the conditions attached to his bail after he was arraigned by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) on a six-count charge.

The 63-year-old former minister pleaded not guilty to all the charges when he was arraigned on July 13, 2026, in the case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/391/2026.

The ICPC alleges that Nnaji received ₦29.57 million in salary and allowances between August 2023 and October 2025 while serving as minister, which the commission classified as proceeds of unlawful acts. It also accused him of using his office to confer a corrupt advantage on himself through the payments.

Four other counts concern alleged forgery and the use of allegedly false documents, including an NYSC certificate and a University of Nigeria, Nsukka degree certificate submitted during the process of his appointment as minister.

Following his arraignment, the court granted Nnaji bail of ₦20 million with one surety in like sum. The surety was required to be a federal civil servant not below Grade Level 15, with a fixed place of residence maintained for at least four years.

The court also directed that the surety provide employment documents, including a letter of appointment and salary slips for the preceding three months, while the relevant government authority was to verify the employment status.