A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarinpa has granted bail to former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, six days after he was remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre on charges of contract fraud. Justice Maryam Hassan, ruling on Thursday, adopted the terms of an earlier administrative bail granted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, paving the way for the former minister’s release as he prepares to face trial.
The court fixed January 28 and 29, 2026, for the commencement of trial, setting the stage for a detailed legal examination of allegations that have captured national attention. Ngige, who served as a minister from November 2015 to May 2023, pleaded not guilty to an eight-count charge bordering on abuse of office, corrupt enrichment, and receiving kickbacks, totalling over N2.2 billion.
According to the charge sheet filed by the EFCC, the anti-graft agency alleges that between 2015 and 2023, Ngige used his office to confer unfair advantages on associates by influencing the award of multiple contracts from the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund. The prosecution, led by Mr. Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, detailed a pattern wherein consultancy, training, and supply contracts were allegedly directed to companies linked to the former minister’s associates.
Specifically, the EFCC alleges that contracts worth N366.4 million were awarded to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, N583.6 million to Zitacom Nigeria Limited, N362 million to Jeff & Xris Limited, N668.1 million to Olde English Consolidated Limited, and N161.6 million to Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited—all firms purportedly connected to Ngige’s associates. Furthermore, the commission claims the former minister corruptly received monetary gifts from these contractors, including N38.65 million through a campaign organisation and N55 million via a scholarship scheme.
In her ruling on the bail application, Justice Hassan overruled the EFCC’s preliminary objection, which argued that Ngige had violated an earlier administrative bail by not returning his international passport after a medical trip abroad in October. The court held that the discretion to grant bail must be exercised judicially and judiciously, without imposing unreasonable conditions. The bail terms require Ngige to produce a surety who is a civil servant not below the rank of a director and a landowner in the FCT. He must also surrender his international passport and seek court permission for any foreign travel.
During proceedings, the defence counsel, Mr. Patrick Ikwueto, SAN, emphasised his client’s presumption of innocence and right to bail, noting that the charges did not carry capital punishment. “The defendant is not an unknown person in this country,” Ikwueto stated, arguing that the prison facility lacked adequate resources to address Ngige’s health needs.
This case is situated within Nigeria’s broader anti-corruption drive, which has seen increased scrutiny on public procurement processes and the conduct of high-ranking officials. The Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, under which Ngige is charged, prescribes penalties of up to five years imprisonment for convictions on abuse of office and corrupt receipt of gifts.
