A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Gwarinpa, Abuja, has ordered a former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, to continue enjoying the administrative bail earlier granted to him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), albeit with fresh conditions.
The order was made on Monday when Ngige was arraigned before the court over allegations bordering on a ₦2.2 billion fraud.
According to the EFCC, the former minister is standing trial over alleged financial improprieties linked to the management and disbursement of public funds during his tenure in office. Ngige, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges read against him.
Following his plea, counsel to the former minister applied for bail, urging the court to allow him continue on the administrative bail earlier granted by the anti-graft agency. The prosecution did not oppose the application but requested that the court impose conditions that would ensure Ngige’s availability for trial.
In her ruling, the presiding judge granted the request, allowing Ngige to remain on bail but with additional conditions, including providing credible sureties and an undertaking to be present in court throughout the trial.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to January 28 for the commencement of trial.
Ngige, who served as Minister of Labour and Employment under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, has consistently denied any wrongdoing, insisting that he will defend himself against the charges.
The case adds to a growing list of high-profile corruption trials currently being prosecuted by the EFCC.
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