FCT High Court Grants Bail to Former Labour Minister Chris Ngige in N2.2bn Fraud Case
Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, on Thursday secured bail after six days in remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre, from the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Gwarinpa Division, where he is facing an eight‑count charge of corruption.
Delivering the ruling, Justice Maryam Hassan adopted the terms of administrative bail earlier granted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to the bail conditions, Ngige must produce a surety who is a civil servant not below the rank of Director. The surety must own landed property within the FCT. Ngige must surrender his international passport and cannot travel outside Nigeria without court approval.
Justice Hassan dismissed the EFCC’s preliminary objection against the bail application, holding that the court retains discretion to grant bail, provided such discretion is exercised judicially and judiciously without imposing unreasonable or arbitrary conditions.
The matter was adjourned to January 28 and 29, 2026, for commencement of trial.
Ngige, who served as Minister from November 11, 2015, to May 29, 2023, was arraigned on December 12, 2025, by the EFCC over alleged complicity in contract fraud amounting to N2.2 billion.
The charges include: abuse of office, acceptance of kickbacks from companies awarded contracts by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and allegations of conferring unfair advantage on associates through contract awards.
Ngige pleaded not guilty to all counts.
