Court Grants Ngige Bail in N2.2bn Contract Case

The bail was granted six days after Ngige was kept in custody following his arraignment on an eight-count charge linked to corruption and abuse of office. The ruling was delivered by Justice Maryam Hassan, who accepted the same administrative bail terms earlier given to him by the EFCC.

The court ordered Ngige to provide one surety who must be a civil servant of not less than director level and also own landed property within the Federal Capital Territory. He was further directed to submit his international passport to the court and remain within the country unless permission is granted for travel.

Justice Hassan dismissed an objection raised by the EFCC against the bail request, stating that the court has the authority to decide on bail matters and must do so fairly without placing harsh or unreasonable conditions on the defendant. The case was later fixed for trial on January 28 and 29, 2026.

Ngige, who served as minister from November 2015 to May 2023, was arraigned on December 12 after the anti-graft agency accused him of using his office to influence the award of several contracts under the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund. The contracts, according to the EFCC, were allegedly given to companies linked to his associates and were valued at over N2.2 billion.

After pleading not guilty, the court ordered his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre while his bail request was being considered. The EFCC claimed that he had earlier breached an administrative bail by failing to return his passport after traveling abroad for medical reasons. The agency also argued that the charges were serious and could lead to a long jail term if proven.

Ngige’s legal team urged the court to grant bail, citing his health condition and arguing that the offences were bailable under the law. They also stated that he had already spent days in custody before his arraignment and assured the court that he would meet all bail conditions.

The EFCC further accused the former minister of receiving funds from contractors through different channels, including campaign and scholarship platforms, during the period covered by the investigation. The offences are said to fall under sections of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.