A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Gwarinpa has granted bail to Chris Ngige, former Minister of Labour and Employment, in connection with an alleged ₦2 billion fraud case being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The ruling was delivered on Thursday by Justice Maryam Hassan, who ordered that Ngige should continue to enjoy the administrative bail earlier granted to him by the EFCC while the case proceeds. However, the court imposed additional conditions aimed at ensuring his availability for trial and compliance with judicial processes.
As part of the bail terms, the court directed that Ngige must provide a surety who is a serving director in the employ of the federal government. The surety is also required to own a landed property, the documents of which must be deposited with the court as collateral. In addition, the surety is to submit valid travel documents to the court.
Justice Hassan further ordered that these conditions would remain in force pending the completion of arrangements for the retrieval of Ngige’s own international passport, which is currently not in his possession.
The former minister appeared in court amid heightened public interest, given his long-standing prominence in Nigerian politics and public service. Ngige, who served as labour minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari, has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to the allegations.
While details of the substantive charges are still unfolding, the court’s decision allows Ngige to remain out of custody as legal proceedings continue. The judge emphasized that the bail conditions were necessary to balance the constitutional right to personal liberty with the need to ensure that the defendant remains subject to the jurisdiction of the court.
The case has drawn significant attention, adding to a growing list of high-profile corruption-related prosecutions being pursued by the EFCC. Legal analysts say the outcome of the trial could have broader implications for accountability among senior public officials.
Further proceedings in the matter are expected to resume at a later date, as the court continues to hear arguments and review evidence presented by the prosecution and the defence.
