A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in the Gwarinpa area has deferred its ruling on the bail application filed by former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige. The court will now deliver its decision on Thursday, December 18, 2025.
Bail Request on Health Grounds Opposed by Prosecution
The former minister, who served under the late President Muhammadu Buhari, is seeking release on bail pending the hearing of an eight-count corruption charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). His counsel, Patrick Ikweato (SAN), urged the court to grant temporary bail on health grounds, citing critical medical concerns requiring consistent attention.
However, EFCC counsel Sylvanus Tahir (SAN) strongly opposed the request. Tahir argued that the prosecution had only just received the bail application and needed time to respond formally. He also insisted that Ngige presented a potential flight risk. Following these arguments, Justice Maryam Hassan adjourned the ruling.
Details of the EFCC's N2.2 Billion Fraud Allegations
Ngige was arraigned and subsequently remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre after pleading not guilty to all charges. The EFCC's allegations, detailed in charge sheet FCT/HC/CR/726/2025, border on abuse of office, contract fraud, and unlawful acceptance of monetary gifts.
The anti-graft agency accuses the former minister of using his office to confer unfair advantages on companies linked to his associates during his supervision of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF). One specific count alleges he influenced the award of seven consultancy and supply contracts valued at N366,470,920.68 to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, a firm allegedly associated with one Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles.
The total value of the contract fraud allegations exceeds N2.2 billion. The EFCC further claims Ngige received financial gifts from NSITF contractors through organisations affiliated with him.
Legal Proceedings and Broader Context
An EFCC official, speaking outside the courtroom, stated the case reflects the commission's commitment to tackling high-level corruption, assuring that evidence would be fully presented in court. The case adds to the list of former officials from the Buhari administration currently under EFCC investigation.
This development follows a separate call by another former Buhari minister, Abubakar Malami (Justice and Attorney-General), for the current EFCC chairman to recuse himself from his investigation, claiming political witch-hunting.
All parties are expected to reconvene before Justice Hassan on the 18th of December for the court's final ruling on the bail application.
