Justice Maryam Aliyu Hassan of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), sitting at Gwarimpa in Abuja, has ordered that former Minister of Labour and former Anambra State governor, Dr Chris Ngige, be kept at Kuje prison until December 18.
The order was issued on Monday shortly after the court heard arguments for and against his bail application.
Ngige’s lawyer, Patrick Ikwueto SAN, pleaded with the court to admit his client to bail, citing health concerns and assuring that Ngige would neither jump bail nor interfere with witnesses.
He argued that the former minister had demonstrated cooperation with authorities and deserved bail on compassionate grounds.
However, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by Sylvanus Tahir SAN, strongly opposed the application, insisting that Ngige was a flight risk.
Tahir told the court that Ngige had previously been granted administrative bail and allowed to travel abroad for medical care but failed to report back to the EFCC.
He added that the international passport released to him for the trip was never returned, and only after his re-arrest did Ngige claim it was lost.
Tahir described the claim as an afterthought and urged the court to dismiss the bail request as frivolous.
Justice Hassan, after listening to both sides, fixed December 18 to deliver a ruling on the bail application.
Charges and Legal Context
Ngige was last Friday slammed with an eight-count charge of corrupt practices, marking a significant development in the EFCC’s ongoing anti-corruption drive.
The charges reportedly involve allegations of financial misconduct during his tenure in public office. His remand in Kuje prison underscores the seriousness of the case and the court’s cautious approach to bail in corruption-related matters.
Legal observers note that the case highlights the tension between health-related bail requests and prosecutorial concerns about flight risks.
The EFCC’s insistence that Ngige failed to comply with earlier bail conditions could weigh heavily in the court’s decision. Meanwhile, Ngige’s defence team continues to stress his health challenges and argue that his detention is unnecessary.
The December 18 ruling will determine whether Ngige remains in custody or is released pending trial.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment 💬, Share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
