A Federal Capital Territory High Court has ruled that former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, will remain on the administrative bail previously granted to him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Fresh Bail Conditions Imposed by the Court
In a ruling delivered on Thursday, December 18, 2025, Justice Mariam Hassan of the FCT High Court in Gwarinpa approved the continuation of Ngige's bail. However, the court introduced new stringent conditions that the former minister must meet.
Justice Hassan directed that Ngige must produce a surety who is a director in the employment of the Federal Government of Nigeria. Furthermore, this surety must own a landed property within the jurisdiction of the court.
The judge ordered the surety to deposit the title documents of the property, as well as their international passport, with the court's registry. This is to be held pending the retrieval of Ngige's own travel documents from the EFCC.
Background of the ₦2.2 Billion Corruption Case
Chris Ngige, who also served as a former governor of Anambra State, is facing prosecution by the EFCC on an eight-count charge bordering on alleged corrupt practices. The total sum involved in the allegations is a staggering ₦2.2 billion.
The anti-graft agency alleges that the offences were committed during Ngige's tenure as the Minister of Labour and Employment under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. Ngige has, however, entered a plea of not guilty to all charges brought against him.
It is noteworthy that prior to this ruling, Ngige had been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre following his initial arraignment before the court. He was later released on an EFCC administrative bail granted on self-recognition, with the initial condition of submitting his travel documents.
Judicial Oversight and Broader EFCC Investigations
Justice Hassan emphasized that the court would ensure strict compliance with the new bail conditions as the trial proceeds. This case adds to the growing list of legal battles involving former officials of the Buhari administration.
The EFCC is currently investigating several former ministers who served in the immediate past government. These high-profile investigations continue to draw significant public attention within Nigeria's political and anti-corruption landscape.
The court's decision to uphold bail but tighten the conditions reflects a judicial balance between the presumption of innocence and the necessity to ensure the defendant's availability for trial, especially in cases involving substantial public funds and prominent political figures.
