Former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, has been granted bail by the Federal High Court in Gwaripa, Abuja, in his corruption case.
Justice Maryam Hassan approved the release on terms similar to those set by the EFCC, including providing a surety who is a federal government director with property in Abuja. The judge rejected the EFCC’s attempt to block the bail, stressing that the court has the authority to set fair and reasonable conditions. Ngige is also required to submit his travel documents. The trial has been scheduled to continue on January 28 and 29, 2026.
Ngige, who served as minister from 2015 to 2023 and previously as Anambra governor, faces charges of contract fraud exceeding N2.2 billion, abuse of office, and allegedly receiving kickbacks from companies awarded contracts by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF). He pleaded not guilty and was initially held at Kuje Correctional Center pending bail.
What do you think will happen when the trial resumes next year?
