From Victor Osula, Abuja
A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Gwarinpa, Abuja, has adjourned until Thursday, December 18, to rule on the bail application filed by former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr Chris Ngige.
Justice Mariam Hassan fixed the date on Monday after hearing arguments from counsel to both parties.
Ngige, a former governor of Anambra State, is standing trial over alleged corruption involving ₦2.2 billion.
The court had on Friday ordered his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre following his arraignment on an eight-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The charges border on alleged abuse of office and the granting of undue advantage to associates during his tenure under the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to the charge sheet dated October 31 and endorsed by EFCC’s lead counsel, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), alongside five other prosecutors, Ngige allegedly abused his office between September 2015 and May 2023 while serving as supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
The anti-graft agency alleged that Ngige used his position to facilitate the award of at least 31 NSITF contracts to five companies believed to be owned by or linked to his associates.
Investigators said the contracts, covering consultancy services, training programmes, construction works and supplies, were awarded over successive years under his supervision.
In Count One, Ngige was accused of influencing the award of seven NSITF contracts valued at ₦366.47 million to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, managed by Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, described as a close associate.
Zitacom Nigeria Limited, also allegedly linked to Ezebinwa, was said to have received eight contracts totalling ₦583.68 million.
Jeff & Xris Limited, reportedly associated with another alleged associate, Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike, allegedly secured eight contracts worth ₦362.04 million.
Olde English Consolidated Limited, linked to Uzoma Igbonwa, was said to have received four contracts valued at ₦668.13 million, while Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited allegedly benefited from four contracts worth ₦161.60 million.
The EFCC maintained that the alleged offences contravene Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, which criminalises abuse of office for personal or associate gain and prescribes penalties, including possible imprisonment.
Ngige pleaded not guilty to all the charges at his arraignment.
At Monday’s proceedings, Ngige’s counsel, Patrick Ikwueto, urged the court to grant bail, arguing that his client is a prominent public figure who poses no flight risk and requires urgent medical attention.
After considering submissions from both sides, Justice Hassan adjourned the matter to December 18 for ruling on the bail application.
