A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Gwarinpa, Abuja, has granted bail to Chris Ngige, the former Minister of Labour and Employment, who is currently facing corruption-related charges.
Justice Maryam Hassan, who presided over the case, ruled that Ngige should continue on the administrative bail earlier granted to him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), but with additional conditions attached. The court directed that Ngige must provide a surety who is a director currently employed by the federal government.
The surety is also required to own landed property and must deposit the property documents as well as their travel documents with the court. These documents will remain with the court until Ngige is able to retrieve and submit his own international passport.
During the hearing, the EFCC opposed the bail application, stating that Ngige failed to return his passport after coming back to Nigeria on November 19, despite earlier instructions. In response, Ngige’s lawyer, Patrick Ikwueto, told the court that his client was robbed while in London and that important items, including his international passport, documents, and cash, were stolen. He added that the EFCC was informed in writing about the incident upon Ngige’s return to Nigeria.
Ngige was arraigned on eight counts bordering on misuse of office, contract fraud, and receiving gratification. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.According to the EFCC, the alleged offences occurred between September 2015 and May 2023, when Ngige served as supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
The commission alleged that he used his position to award multiple contracts to associates and companies linked to him.
The anti-graft agency claimed that Cezimo Nigeria Limited received seven contracts for consultancy, training, and supply valued at about ₦366.4 million. Zitacom Nigeria Limited was said to have received eight contracts worth approximately ₦583.6 million, while Jeff & Xris Limited allegedly secured eight contracts valued at about ₦362 million. Olde English Consolidated Limited was also accused of receiving four contracts totalling ₦668.1 million, and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited allegedly received four contracts valued at ₦161.6 million.
In addition to the contract allegations, Ngige was accused of corruptly receiving ₦38.65 million through the Chris Nwabueze Ngige Campaign Organisation from Cezimo Nigeria Limited, as well as ₦55 million through the Senator (r) Chris Ngige Scholarship Scheme from Zitacom Nigeria Limited.
The EFCC said these actions violate Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.The case has been adjourned for further hearing, and Ngige will remain on bail while the trial continues.
