A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja has adjourned the bail application hearing of Dr. Chris Ngige, former Minister of Labour and Employment, until 18 December 2025, ordering that he remain in custody at Kuje Correctional Centre pending that decision.
Ngige is facing an eight‑count corruption charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleging that he conferred unfair advantages on businesses linked to his associates through contract awards and accepted improper financial gifts during his tenure supervising the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF). He has pleaded not guilty to all counts before the court.
Justice Maryam Aliyu Hassan deferred the bail ruling after hearing arguments from both the defence and the prosecution. Until the court formally pronounces on the bail application on 18 December, Ngige will remain on remand at the correctional facility.
The continuation of his remand highlights the legal process unfolding in one of Nigeria’s high‑profile anti‑corruption prosecutions this year, as the judiciary weighs the conditions and timing under which a former senior public official might be released pending trial.
