Justice Mariam Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Gwarinpa, Abuja, has ordered that former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, continue to enjoy the administrative bail earlier granted to him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The ruling came on Thursday while the court considered Ngige’s formal bail application, argued by his lead counsel, Patrick Ikwueto (SAN).
Ngige, a former governor of Anambra State, had been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre following his arraignment on an eight-count charge bordering on alleged corrupt practices amounting to ₦2.2 billion. The charges, dated October 31 and filed on December 9 by a prosecution team led by Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), allege that the offences were committed during Ngige’s tenure as Labour Minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He pleaded not guilty to all counts.
In her ruling, Justice Hassan directed that Ngige must produce a surety who is a serving director in the employment of the Federal Government and the owner of a verifiable landed property. The surety is mandated to deposit the property’s title documents and his travel documents with the court pending the retrieval of Ngige’s own international passport.
The judge explained that the conditions were necessary to guarantee Ngige’s availability whenever required by the court or the anti-graft agency.
Ngige had earlier been granted EFCC administrative bail on self-recognition, with a directive to submit his travel documents and provide one surety.
Further proceedings have been adjourned, with additional details expected as the case progresses.
