Court Grants Chris Ngige Bail In ₦2.2b Fraud Trial

Justice Maryam Hassan, on Thursday, ruled that Chris Ngige should be released on bail under flexible conditions.

The court directed him to provide one surety who must be a serving director in the Federal Government.

The judge also stated that the surety must own property in the FCT and present a valid Certificate of Occupancy.

The original title document is to be deposited with the court.

While Ngige was allowed to remain on self-recognition, the court insisted that the property documents be submitted before bail can take effect.

Pending the fulfilment of these conditions, Justice Hassan ordered that the former minister be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

Ngige was arraigned last Friday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on eight charges bordering on alleged contract fraud, abuse of office, and receiving gifts from contractors of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).

The EFCC accused him of involvement in transactions valued at about N2.2 billion during his time as supervising minister between September 2015 and May 2023.

The anti-graft agency also claimed that Ngige approved seven NSITF contracts for consultancy, training, and supply services to a company, with a total value of N366.47 million.

Chris Ngige denied all the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Earlier, his lawyer, Patrick Ikwueto (SAN), asked the court to grant bail, citing his client’s health and assuring the judge that Ngige would not flee or interfere with the trial.

However, EFCC lawyer Sylvanus Tahir (SAN) opposed the request, arguing that Ngige failed to return his international passport after being allowed to travel abroad for medical reasons in October.

He added that the former minister later claimed the passport was missing after his re-arrest.

KanyiDaily recalls that the court previously adjourned its decision on Chris Ngige’a bail request to December 18.