An Abuja High Court has granted bail to former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, who is facing trial over alleged N2.2 billion fraud.
Justice Maryam Aliyu Hassan delivered the ruling on Thursday at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja.
The court adopted the administrative bail earlier granted to Ngige by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), pending the commencement of trial.
Court Sets Bail Conditions
Justice Hassan ruled that Ngige would remain on bail on self-recognition, in line with the EFCC’s earlier decision.
In addition, the court ordered him to provide a surety who must be a director in the employment of the Federal Government.
The surety must own a landed property within the Abuja Municipal Area Council and present a valid Certificate of Occupancy.
The judge directed that the original copy of the property document be deposited with the court registry.
She also ordered the surety to submit an international passport to the court registrar.
Justice Hassan further directed Ngige to surrender his own international passport after obtaining a new one.
The judge stressed that bail conditions must remain reasonable, warning that excessively harsh terms could amount to denial of bail.
Trial Dates Fixed
Following the ruling, EFCC counsel, Eunice Daylo, requested two consecutive dates for the trial to begin.
Justice Hassan adjourned the matter to January 28 and 29, 2026, for the commencement of hearing.
Pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions, Ngige will remain at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
Background to the Charges
The EFCC arraigned Ngige on December 12 on eight counts bordering on fraud and receipt of illegal gratifications.
According to the anti-graft agency, Ngige allegedly committed the offences while serving as Minister of Labour and Employment during the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Ngige, a former governor of Anambra State and ex-senator, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
During the bail hearing on December 15, his lawyer, Patrick Ikwueto (SAN), urged the court to consider Ngige’s age, health condition, and lack of previous criminal record.
However, EFCC counsel, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), opposed the application, arguing that Ngige violated earlier bail terms and posed a flight risk.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court granted bail and fixed dates for trial.
