A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Gwarinpa, Abuja, has fixed Thursday for its ruling on the bail application filed by former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, who is currently facing trial over alleged contract fraud involving ₦2.2 billion.

Justice Maryam Hassan adjourned the matter after hearing submissions from lawyers representing the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the defence on Monday.

Ngige, who served as Minister of Labour from November 2015 until May 2023, was arraigned last Friday on an eight-count charge bordering on abuse of office and fraudulent contract awards linked to the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF). He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Following his plea, the court ordered that the former minister be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his bail request.

EFCC Opposes Bail

The anti-graft agency, led by its counsel Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, urged the court to refuse Ngige’s application for bail. The prosecution argued that the defendant had previously violated the terms of an administrative bail granted by the EFCC.

According to the EFCC, Ngige travelled outside the country in October for medical reasons but allegedly failed to return his international passport upon his return, raising concerns about his reliability and compliance with bail conditions.

The prosecution also emphasised the seriousness of the charges, noting that the alleged offences carry a mandatory minimum sentence of five years imprisonment if proven.

Defence Urges Court to Grant Bail

In response, Ngige’s legal team, led by Patrick Ikwueto, SAN, appealed to the court to exercise its discretion in favour of granting bail. He argued that bail is a constitutional right and that the defendant is a prominent public figure with a known address and identity.

Ikwueto pointed out that the former minister had already spent several days in EFCC custody before his arraignment and assured the court that his client was willing to meet any bail conditions imposed.

He also raised concerns about Ngige’s health, arguing that the correctional facility lacked the capacity to adequately manage his medical needs.

The defence further maintained that the charges against Ngige were not capital offences and were therefore bailable, insisting that the allegations did not involve crimes such as terrorism or treason.

Details of the Alleged Contract Fraud

According to the charge sheet, the EFCC alleged that Ngige abused his office by approving several NSITF contracts for companies linked to his associates.

One of the allegations is that he facilitated the award of seven consultancy, training, and supply contracts valued at ₦366.47 million to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, in violation of Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

The EFCC further alleged that eight contracts worth ₦583.68 million were awarded to Zitacom Nigeria Limited, a company whose managing director is said to be an associate of the former minister.

Another eight contracts valued at ₦362.04 million were allegedly awarded to Jeff & Xris Limited, also linked to one of his associates.

In addition, Ngige is accused of influencing the approval of contracts worth ₦668.14 million in favour of Olde English Consolidated Limited, as well as four additional contracts valued at ₦161.6 million through Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, both allegedly connected to another associate.

Allegations of Kickbacks

The EFCC also accused the former minister of receiving illicit payments from contractors between May and June 2022.

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The prosecution alleged that ₦38.65 million was received from Cezimo Nigeria Limited through a campaign organisation, ₦55 million from Zitacom Nigeria Limited via a scholarship scheme, and ₦26.13 million from Jeff & Xris Limited.

The alleged actions are said to contravene Sections 17(a) and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Justice Hassan subsequently adjourned the case until Thursday for a ruling on the bail application.