A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Gwarinpa, Abuja, has ordered a former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, to remain on the administrative bail earlier granted to him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Mariam Hassan, who delivered the ruling on Wednesday, upheld the bail conditions but directed Ngige to provide one surety who must be a director in federal government service and own landed property.
The court further ordered that the surety deposit property documents and travel documents with the court pending the conclusion of processes to retrieve Ngige’s international passport.
Ngige was previously granted bail by the EFCC on self-recognition, with a requirement to submit his travel documents and present a surety.
₦2.2bn Corruption Charges
The former Anambra State governor is facing an eight-count charge bordering on alleged corrupt practices involving ₦2.2 billion.
According to the charge dated October 31 and filed on December 9, Ngige is accused of committing the offences while serving as Minister of Labour and Employment under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The charges were filed by a prosecution team led by Sylvanus Tahir (SAN).
Plea and Remand
Ngige pleaded not guilty to all the charges when he was arraigned. Following his arraignment, he was temporarily remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his bail status.
The case has been adjourned for further proceedings.
