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

Justice Joyce Abdulmalik made the order on Monday after a motion filed by the chambers of his lawyer, Ogwu Onoja, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, was moved on his behalf. In a short ruling, the judge granted the application and adjourned the matter until October 26 for continuation of the trial.

Nnaji had surrendered his passport in July, when he was granted bail of N20 million with one surety in the same amount after pleading not guilty to the charges. As part of the bail conditions, the court ordered him to hand over his international passport and all other travel documents and barred him from leaving the country without the court’s permission.

Monday’s ruling therefore lifts one of the key restrictions placed on him.

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission arraigned the former minister on July 13 on a six count charge bordering on alleged certificate forgery, giving false information and corruption. The anti graft agency alleges that he presented a forged National Youth Service Corps certificate to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation while his ministerial appointment was being processed. It further claims he submitted a University of Nigeria, Nsukka degree certificate in Microbiology and Biochemistry which he knew to be false.

The commission also alleges that between August 2023 and October 2025, while serving as minister, he received about N29.58 million in salary and allowances on the strength of those credentials.

Nnaji, who served in President Bola Tinubu’s cabinet before leaving office in October 2025, has denied wrongdoing. At the last hearing, prosecution counsel said the commission was ready to go to trial and had three witnesses lined up.