The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has formally opposed the bail application of former Minister of Labour and Employment Dr. Chris Ngige, urging the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarimpa, Abuja to refuse his release amid ongoing corruption proceedings. The anti-graft agency argued that Ngige poses a flight risk and is in breach of the terms of earlier administrative bail, particularly over failure to return his international passport.
During December 15th Monday’s hearing, EFCC counsel Sylvanus Tahir (SAN) told the court that Ngige had previously been granted administrative bail to travel abroad for medical treatment but did not report back to the commission as required and failed to surrender his passport upon return, a development the prosecution described as a violation of bail conditions and a clear risk to the integrity of the trial. He urged the court to consider that Ngige’s conduct undermines trust in bail arrangements and could enable him to flee the country if granted bail.
Ngige’s legal team, led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Patrick Ikwueto, countered that the former minister is not a flight risk, highlighting Ngige’s voluntary return to Nigeria after reporting his lost passport and arguing for bail on health grounds and statutory entitlement to liberty pending trial. The judge adjourned the matter for a bail ruling on Thursday, 18 December 2025, with Ngige to remain in custody at Kuje Correctional Centre until a decision is delivered.
The case against Ngige centres on a multi-count N2.2 billion fraud charge alleging abuse of office, improper contract awards and acceptance of gifts during his tenure, claims he has denied.
