Alleged N2.2bn fraud: Ngige remains in Kuje prison as court defers bail ruling to Dec 18

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting in Abuja on Monday, has deferred until December 18 its ruling on the bail application of Chris Ngige, former Minister of Labour and Employment, who faces an eight-count corruption charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Trial Justice Maryam Hassan adjourned the matter after hearing arguments from both the defence and the prosecution.

Until the ruling, Ngige will remain on remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

Ngige, who served as minister from November 11, 2015, to May 29, 2023, pleaded not guilty to charges of alleged contract fraud totaling over N2.2 billion.

The charges include abuse of office and accepting kickbacks from firms awarded contracts by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).

EFCC alleges that Ngige used his position to give unfair advantage to companies linked to his associates.

The anti-graft agency, led by, Sylvanus Tahir, SAN opposed the bail request, arguing that Ngige violated administrative bail previously granted to him and failed to return his international passport after traveling abroad for medical care.

Tahir also stressed that the seriousness of the charges could attract a minimum prison term of five years if Ngige is convicted.

In his defence, Patrick Ikwueto, SAN, urged the court to grant bail, citing Ngige’s health condition and asserting that he would not flee or interfere with witnesses.

Ikwueto noted that the former minister had already spent three days in EFCC custody before being arraigned and emphasised that the charges were bailable offences.

“The trial will examine how the contracts were awarded,” Ikwueto said. “These are not charges of terrorism or treason. He is a known public figure, and the court can set any condition for bail.”

Read also: Court remands Chris Ngige over alleged N2.2bn fraud

According to the EFCC, Ngige allegedly awarded multiple NSITF contracts to companies linked to his associates, including Cezimo Nigeria Limited, Zitacom Nigeria Limited, Jeff & Xris Limited, Olde English Consolidated Limited, and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, with total values exceeding N2.2 billion.

The prosecution further claimed that he received monetary gifts from these firms through campaign and scholarship channels.

The offences contravene sections 17(a) and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

The court will deliver its ruling on the bail application on December 18.