Dare Babalola
The Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Gwarinpa, Abuja, on Thursday, granted a former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, to continue to enjoy the administrative bail earlier granted him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The ruling was delivered by Justice Maryam Hassan, who considered a bail application filed and argued on behalf of Ngige by his lead counsel, Patrick Ikwueto (SAN).
Justice Hassan in the ruling directed Ngige to produce a surety who must be a director in the employment of the Federal Government and own a landed property.
The surety is also required to deposit the title documents of the property and surrender his travel documents to the court, pending the retrieval of Ngige’s own international passport.
The EFCC had previously granted Ngige bail on self-recognition and directed him to submit his travel documents to the commission, in addition to providing one.
Ngige is currently facing investigations by the EFCC over allegations of financial impropriety. The probe is reportedly linked to his tenure as minister, with specific focus on suspected embezzlement of funds meant for labour-related projects and programmes.
The EFCC had initially granted Ngige administrative bail as part of the investigation process, a move that has now been upheld by the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. The nature of the allegations suggests a broader look into the management of funds during his time in office, though no formal charges have been brought against him as of yet.
Ngige’s case has drawn attention amid ongoing government efforts to tackle corruption and ensure accountability among public officials. As the investigation continues, the court’s decision to maintain his bail conditions, including the requirement of a top civil servant as surety, underscores the legal process being followed in handling such cases.
