The Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Gwarimpa, Abuja, has fixed Thursday, December 18, to deliver its ruling on the bail application filed by former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, who is facing an eight-count charge of alleged ₦2.2 billion contract fraud brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Maryam Hassan set the ruling date on Monday after hearing extensive arguments from both the prosecution and the defence on whether the former minister should be granted bail pending trial.
When the case was called, counsel to the EFCC, Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, informed the court that the matter had earlier been adjourned from Friday to Monday to allow the prosecution time to respond to the bail application, which was served on it on Friday morning. He confirmed that the commission had since filed a counter-affidavit opposing the application.
Arguing the application on behalf of the defendant, lead defence counsel, Patrick Ikwueto, SAN, urged the court to grant bail, describing it as a medical necessity. He maintained that Ngige does not pose a flight risk, contrary to claims by the EFCC, and stressed that the application was filed on December 11, 2025, supported by a further affidavit.
Addressing the prosecution’s counter-affidavit, Ikwueto rejected allegations that the former minister was likely to flee the country. He argued that the EFCC’s claim was inconsistent with documentary evidence showing that Ngige lost his international passport during a medical trip to London.
According to the defence, the loss of the passport was duly reported to relevant authorities, including the UK Home Office, the Nigerian High Commission in London, and officials in Abuja. Ikwueto added that the EFCC failed to show that it investigated the claim and found it to be false.
He further argued that documentary evidence carries more weight than sworn statements in affidavits, insisting that it was contradictory for the prosecution to allege that Ngige could flee when he does not possess valid travel documents. He noted that the defendant returned to Nigeria using a one-time emergency travel certificate issued by the Nigerian High Commission in London, which expires upon use and cannot be used for further travel.
The defence also contended that Ngige’s conduct disproved any claim of flight risk, pointing out that he returned to Nigeria after being granted administrative bail and would not have done so if he intended to evade trial. Ikwueto added that the former minister has no prior criminal record and is no longer in public office, making it unlikely that he would commit the alleged offence again if granted bail.
He also appealed to the court to consider Ngige’s age and deteriorating health, particularly issues affecting his eyesight, which he said required urgent medical attention. According to him, the loss of the passport disrupted planned medical treatment abroad, forcing the defendant to return to Nigeria.
Opposing the application, the EFCC urged the court to refuse bail, arguing that Ngige had already breached the conditions of an earlier administrative bail. Tahir told the court that although the defendant returned to Nigeria on November 14, he failed to report to the EFCC or return his travel documents as previously undertaken.
The prosecution further argued that Ngige’s claim of passport loss was questionable, noting that he swore an affidavit of loss in Nigeria rather than in the United Kingdom, where the passport was allegedly lost. Tahir described this as a gross violation of the bail conditions and an attempt to continue enjoying privileges already forfeited.
Citing provisions of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, the EFCC argued that bail could be refused where a defendant undermines the objectives of the criminal justice system. The commission also asked the court to order an accelerated hearing of the trial if bail is denied.
After listening to submissions from both sides, Justice Hassan adjourned the matter to December 18 for a ruling on the bail application.
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