ABUJA, Nigeria – A Federal High Court in Abuja has granted bail to former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, in an ongoing corruption case filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Maryam Hassan, sitting at the Gwaripa division of the court, adopts the administrative bail earlier granted by the EFCC but imposes additional conditions to ensure Ngige’s appearance for trial.
In her ruling on Thursday, the judge ordered the former minister to produce one surety who must be a serving federal government director with a verifiable property within the Federal Capital Territory.
Justice Hassan also directs Ngige to deposit all his travel documents with the court, stressing that bail is a discretionary judicial relief that must be exercised judiciously and without unnecessary severity. “Bail conditions must not be punitive, and judicial powers must never be exercised arbitrarily,” the judge says.
The ruling follows arguments by Ngige’s counsel, who maintains that his client is not a flight risk. The defence points out that Ngige had previously been granted administrative bail and was allowed by the EFCC to travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment, with his passport temporarily released.
The EFCC does not oppose the adoption of the earlier bail but urges the court to impose conditions that would secure the defendant’s attendance throughout the trial.
Justice Hassan adjourns the case to January 28 and 29, 2026, for the commencement of full trial proceedings.
Ngige, a former senator and ex-governor of Anambra State, faces charges relating to alleged financial misconduct, which he denies.
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