A Federal Capital Territory High Court has approved the release on bail of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, who is facing charges over an alleged ₦2.2 billion fraud.
Court Upholds and Expands EFCC Bail Conditions
Justice Maryam Hassan of the FCT High Court in Gwarimpa ruled on Wednesday to grant Ngige bail. The judge upheld the administrative bail previously offered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) but introduced additional, stricter requirements to ensure the defendant's presence in court.
Key among the existing conditions was the surrender of Ngige's international passport to the anti-graft agency. Justice Hassan directed that this condition must be fulfilled, even if it requires the former minister to obtain a new passport first.
Stringent Surety Requirements Imposed
In a move to secure his attendance at trial, the court mandated that Ngige must produce one surety. This individual must hold the position of a director within the Federal Government. Furthermore, the surety is required to own a landed property with a valid Certificate of Occupancy located within the Abuja Municipal Area Council.
The judge ordered that both the surety's international passport and the property's Certificate of Occupancy be deposited with the court registry as part of the bail security.
Background of the ₦2.2 Billion Case
Dr. Chris Ngige, who previously served as the Governor of Anambra State, was a minister in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2023. He is currently standing trial on an eight-count charge brought by the EFCC.
The charges allege contract fraud and the receipt of gratification totaling approximately ₦2.2 billion. Ngige was formally arraigned on December 12, where he entered a plea of not guilty to all counts read against him.
Following his plea, the court had ordered his remand at the Kuje Correctional Facility until his bail application could be heard and determined. With bail now granted, the trial has been scheduled to continue. Justice Hassan adjourned the case to January 28 and 29, 2026, for further proceedings.
