Former Labour Minister Chris Ngige walks free after six days in prison over N2.2bn contract fraud
Former Labour and Employment Minister Dr Chris Ngige has secured bail. The ex-minister faced eight corruption charges totaling over N2.2 billion. After six days in prison custody, freedom finally came on Thursday.
The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarinpa delivered the ruling. Justice Maryam Hassan adopted terms from an earlier EFCC administrative bail agreement. The decision came after careful consideration of all legal arguments presented.
Ngige must produce a surety who is a civil servant. Moreover, the surety must hold a director-level position or higher rank. The surety must also own landed property within the FCT boundaries.
The court ordered Ngige to surrender his international passport immediately. Additionally, he cannot travel outside Nigeria without obtaining court permission first. These measures ensure his availability for trial proceedings going forward.
Justice Hassan overruled EFCC’s objection to the bail application successfully. Furthermore, she affirmed the court’s discretion on bail matters remains valid. The trial was scheduled to commence on January 28 and 29, 2026.
Eight-Count Charge Details N2.2bn Contract Fraud
Ngige served as Labour Minister from November 2015 to May 2023. The EFCC arraigned him on December 12 for alleged contract fraud. He pleaded not guilty to all charges when formally docked.
The charges include serious abuse of office accusations against the minister. Moreover, he allegedly accepted kickbacks from firms awarded NSITF contracts improperly. His position was used to confer unfair advantages to associates.
Cezimo Nigeria Limited received contracts worth N366 million through alleged influence. Additionally, Zitacom Nigeria Limited got eight contracts valued at N583 million. Jeff & Xris Limited was awarded contracts totaling N362 million suspiciously.
Olde English Consolidated Limited received four contracts worth N668 million, reportedly. Furthermore, Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services got contracts valued at N161 million. Both companies allegedly belong to the same associate, Uzoma Igbonwa.
Between May and June 2022, Ngige allegedly received corrupt monetary gifts. His campaign organization got N38.65 million from Cezimo Nigeria Limited directly. These payments violated anti-corruption laws significantly according to prosecution.
Zitacom Nigeria Limited paid N55 million through Ngige’s scholarship scheme. In addition, Jeff & Xris Limited contributed N26.13 million to him. The total alleged kickbacks exceeded N119 million from various contractors.
EFCC Claims Violated Administrative Bail Terms
The anti-graft agency opposed bail through lawyer Sylvanus Tahir, SAN. They alleged Ngige violated earlier bail terms by keeping his passport. He traveled abroad in October for medical treatment but didn’t return it.
Defense lawyer Patrick Ikwueto, SAN, emphasized bail as a constitutional right. He noted Ngige is a well-known figure throughout the country. The defense stressed his client’s poor health and inadequate prison facilities.
EFCC highlighted the serious nature of charges before the court. Conviction could result in nothing less than five years’ imprisonment. However, the defense maintained all allegations constitute bailable offenses under Nigerian law.
Ikwueto told the court that Ngige’s health condition requires attention. Moreover, Kuje Correctional Center lacks proper medical facilities for his needs. The defendant had already spent three days in EFCC custody before arraignment.
The defense insisted the case doesn’t involve direct theft of funds. Instead, it centers on how contracts were awarded during his tenure. The trial will examine the entire procurement process in detail.
The stage is set for one of Nigeria’s most-watched corruption trials beginning in January 2026.
