A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Gwarinpa has adjourned until Thursday to rule on the bail application filed by former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige. The ruling was deferred after the trial judge, Justice Maryam Hassan, heard submissions from both the defence and the prosecution.
Ngige is standing trial on an eight-count corruption charge instituted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charges border on alleged abuse of office and claims that he received kickbacks from companies awarded contracts by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF). The EFCC alleged that the former minister used his position to confer unfair advantages on firms linked to his associates through the approval of several consultancy, training, and supply contracts running into hundreds of millions of naira.
Opposing the bail request, the EFCC, through its lead counsel, Mr. Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, urged the court to refuse the application. The prosecution argued that Ngige violated an earlier administrative bail granted to him, alleging that he failed to return his international passport after being allowed to travel abroad for medical reasons. The EFCC also stressed the seriousness of the charges, noting that they carry potential prison terms upon conviction.
In response, Ngige’s defence counsel, Mr. Patrick Ikwueto, SAN, appealed to the court to grant bail, insisting that the offences are bailable under the law. He argued that the former minister is a well-known public figure who poses no flight risk and assured the court that his client would meet any bail conditions imposed. The defence also raised concerns about Ngige’s health, stating that detention facilities may not adequately address his medical needs.
Justice Hassan adjourned the matter to Thursday for ruling on the bail application, while the trial is expected to proceed thereafter.