“An FCT High Court has granted bail on liberal terms to a former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, who was arraigned on allegations of money laundering and abuse of office.
”An FCT High Court on Thursday granted bail to former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, over alleged financial misconduct, but ordered his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the fulfilment of bail conditions.
Justice Maryam Hassan ruled that Ngige must produce one surety, who must be a director in the employment of the Federal Government and an owner of landed property in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with a valid Certificate of Occupancy (C of O). The court directed that the original title documents be deposited with the court, while Ngige remains on self-recognisance.
Ngige, a former governor of Anambra State, is facing an eight-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) bordering on alleged N2.2 billion contract fraud, abuse of office, and acceptance of gifts from contractors of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) between September 2015 and May 2023.
According to the EFCC, Ngige allegedly approved the award of seven NSITF contracts for consultancy, training and supply services valued at N366.47 million. The former minister pleaded not guilty to all charges.
While the defence sought bail on health grounds, the EFCC opposed the application, citing concerns over Ngige’s international passport, which it said was not returned after a medical trip abroad and was later reported missing.
The case has been adjourned pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions.
