A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarimpa, Abuja, has scheduled December 18, 2025, to deliver its ruling on the bail application of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige. He faces an eight-count charge of alleged contract fraud involving over ₦2.2 billion.
Justice Maryam Hassan fixed the date on Monday after hearing extensive arguments from both the prosecution and the defence. Ngige, who pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on December 12, remains remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the court’s decision.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges that Ngige abused his office between 2015 and 2023 while serving as the supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF). The specific accusations include conferring unfair advantages on companies linked to associates through contract awards and accepting gratifications from contractors. These acts are alleged to be contrary to sections of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. Reports indicate the total value of the implicated contracts for consultancy, training, and supplies exceeds ₦2.2 billion.
During the bail hearing, defence counsel Patrick Ikwueto, SAN, urged the court to grant bail. He emphasised Ngige’s status as a prominent former public figure with no prior criminal record, his age, and significant health concerns requiring ongoing medical care, particularly for his eyesight.
Ikwueto argued that Ngige poses no flight risk, presenting documentary evidence that the former minister had lost his international passport in London during a medical trip under earlier administrative bail. He stated that reports were made to both UK and Nigerian authorities and that Ngige returned to Nigeria using an emergency travel certificate. The defence counsel contended that his client had complied with the spirit of his bail conditions by returning voluntarily, that the charges are bailable, and that Ngige, no longer in office, has no capacity to reoffend.
However, prosecution counsel Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, strongly opposed the application. He asserted that Ngige breached his administrative bail conditions by failing to return his passport promptly and not reporting to the EFCC upon his return. Tahir described the defendant as a flight risk, arguing that the alleged breach undermined the criminal justice system under Section 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015. He urged the court to refuse bail and instead prioritise an accelerated trial.
The case highlights ongoing anti-corruption efforts targeting high-profile figures from previous administrations. Ngige, a former Anambra State governor and senator, served as minister from 2015 to 2023. Similar probes have involved other ex-officials, underscoring the EFCC’s mandate to investigate abuse of office and financial impropriety.
As the court prepares to rule, the outcome will determine whether Ngige is released on bail with conditions or remains in custody ahead of his trial.