ABUJA – A Federal Capital Territory High Court has ordered the continued detention of former Minister of Labour, Dr. Chris Ngige, at the Kuje Correctional Centre until a ruling on his bail application scheduled for December 18.
Justice Maryam Hassan of the Gwarimpa court gave the order on Monday after hearing arguments from both the defence and prosecution regarding the bail request for the former Anambra State governor.
Prosecution Cites History of Breaching Bail Terms
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), opposing the application, portrayed Ngige as a significant flight risk. EFCC counsel Sylvanus Tahir (SAN) informed the court that Ngige had previously breached the terms of an administrative bail.
“He was granted administrative bail and allowed to travel abroad for medical care but never reported back to the Commission,” Tahir stated. The prosecution further argued that the international passport released for that trip was never returned, dismissing Ngige’s subsequent claim of losing the document as “an afterthought.”
Defence Cites Health Grounds, Pledges Compliance
Arguing for his client’s release, Ngige’s lead counsel, Patrick Ikwueto (SAN), urged the court to grant bail, primarily on health grounds. Ikwueto assured the court that Ngige would not abscond, tamper with evidence, or interfere with witnesses if released.
Justice Hassan, after taking submissions from both sides, adjourned the matter to December 18 for her ruling on the bail application. This means Ngige will spend at least four more days in prison custody pending that decision.
Background of the Charges
Dr. Ngige was arraigned before the court last Friday by the EFCC on an eight-count charge of corrupt practices. The charges are related to an alleged N2.2 billion fraud. The specifics of the allegations, as outlined in the charge sheet, involve accusations of misappropriation and abuse of office during his tenure as Minister of Labour and Productivity.
The case has drawn significant public attention, given Ngige’s prominent political profile as a former governor, senator, and two-time minister. The court’s upcoming bail ruling on Wednesday will be a critical juncture in the high-profile case.
