Court Grants Bail to Former Labour Minister Chris Ngige

The Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Gwarinpa, Abuja, has granted bail to a former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, who is facing corruption-related charges brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Justice Maryam Hassan, who presided over the matter, ordered that Ngige should continue on the administrative bail earlier granted to him by the EFCC.

However, the court imposed additional conditions, including the provision of a surety who must be a director in the employ of the federal government.

The judge further ruled that the surety must own landed property and deposit the property documents, along with their travel documents, with the court. This arrangement is to remain in force pending the conclusion of efforts by Ngige to retrieve his international passport.

The EFCC had earlier granted Ngige administrative bail in October on self-recognisance and one surety, allowing him to travel abroad for medical treatment. He was, however, required to submit his international passport to the commission upon his return to Nigeria.

Opposing the bail application, the prosecution counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, told the court that Ngige failed to submit his passport after returning to the country on November 19. He argued that this amounted to a breach of the conditions attached to the earlier bail.

In response, Ngige’s counsel, Patrick Ikwueto, informed the court that his client had written to the EFCC explaining that he was robbed in London, during which important items, including his international passport, documents and cash, were stolen.

Recall that Ngige was arraigned on Friday before Justice Hassan on an eight-count charge bordering on misuse of office, contract fraud and receiving gratification. According to the charge dated October 31, the EFCC alleged that the former minister abused his position by awarding multiple contracts to associates and companies linked to him.

The case was adjourned to a later date for further proceedings.