FCT Court Remands Ex-Labour Minister Chris Ngige at Kuje Prison
Justice Mariam Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has ordered that former Labour and Employment Minister, Chris Ngige, be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre.
Ngige, facing corruption allegations, will remain in custody until Monday, when his application for bail is scheduled to be heard.
The ex-minister is accused of giving undue advantages to his associates in the award of multiple contracts during his tenure between 2015 and 2023. He is also alleged to have accepted gifts worth millions of naira through his organizations while in office.
Ngige has pleaded not guilty to all eight counts leveled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
His legal team, led by Patrick Ikweato (SAN), requested that he be granted bail on health grounds, but the application could not be considered immediately as it was only recently served on the prosecution.
EFCC’s counsel, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), opposed the request, citing concerns that Ngige might flee, and stated he would formally respond to the bail motion.
Justice Hassan adjourned the hearing on the bail application to Monday, December 15.
Public Debate: Was Ngige’s remand driven by evidence of corruption, or are there political undertones at play?
