A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday ordered the remand of the former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, at the Kuje Correctional Centre. This follows his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of contract fraud totaling ₦2.2 billion.
The former Anambra State Governor appeared before Justice Maryam Hassan, where he entered a “not guilty” plea to an eight-count charge involving abuse of office and the illegal acceptance of gifts from contractors.
Allegations of Misconduct
The EFCC alleges that Ngige exploited his position as the supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) between September 2015 and May 2023. According to the prosecution, the defendant received gratifications from contractors handling projects for the fund during his tenure.
Following the plea, the prosecution lead, Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, moved for a trial date and requested that the defendant be remanded in custody pending the commencement of the hearing.
The Battle for Bail
The defense lead counsel, Patrick Ikwueto, SAN, fiercely opposed the remand, urging the court to grant Ngige bail on compassionate health grounds. Ikwueto argued that his client, who had already spent three days in EFCC custody, required urgent medical attention.
“The defendant is not an unknown person in this country; I don’t think there is anyone who will say they do not know him,” Ikwueto argued. “I urge your lordship to grant the defendant bail… Even this morning, he mentioned needing to go to the hospital. The prosecution is asking for his remand, knowing fully well that they don’t have the facility to cater to his health issues at Kuje.”
The defense further contended that the charges were not comparable to terrorism or treason and should not warrant the denial of liberty.
“Flight Risk” and the Missing Passport
The prosecution countered the bail plea, characterizing the alleged crimes as significant offenses that carry a minimum of five years in prison. A major point of contention was the location of Ngige’s international passport.
The EFCC informed the court that while Ngige was previously granted permission to travel for medical reasons, he failed to return his passport upon his arrival.
“As we speak, his international passport is not with the EFCC. We reiterate that the defendant be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre,” the prosecution stated, labeling the former minister a flight risk.
In response, Ngige’s lawyer claimed the passport had been stolen along with other valuables during a train journey in London. He explained that Ngige returned to Nigeria using a travel certificate and had sworn an affidavit regarding the loss—documents he claimed were submitted to the commission.
Court Ruling and Remand
Despite the defense’s offer for counsel to stand as a surety and the oral application for bail, Justice Hassan noted that a formal bail application had already been filed on Friday morning.
The EFCC argued that the court could not consider both an oral and a formal application simultaneously. Consequently, the judge adjourned the hearing of the bail application to Monday, December 15.
Although the prosecution initially mentioned that the Kuje facility was nearing capacity due to new admissions, the court maintained its order. Justice Hassan directed that Ngige be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre until the adjourned date.
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