Justice Mariam Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court has ordered that former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre.
Ngige, who was arraigned on allegations of corruption, will remain in custody until Monday, when his bail application is scheduled to be heard.
The ex-minister faces charges of conferring unfair advantages on associates through the award of multiple contracts while in office between 2015 and 2023. He is also accused of accepting monetary gifts worth millions of naira through his organizations during his tenure.
Ngige pleaded not guilty to all eight counts presented by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
His bail application could not be addressed during Thursday’s hearing, as it was submitted to the prosecution only shortly before proceedings began.
Ngige’s lead lawyer, Patrick Ikweato (SAN), requested that the court grant bail on health grounds pending the formal hearing. EFCC’s counsel, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), opposed the request, arguing that the former minister could be a flight risk and indicated that a formal response would be filed.
In a brief ruling, Justice Hassan adjourned the hearing of the bail application to Monday, December 15.
The case has sparked debate, with some questioning whether Ngige’s remand is purely based on evidence of corruption or influenced by political considerations.
