By Ayomide Otitoju
Justice Maryam Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Gwarimpa, Abuja, has fixed December 18 to rule on the bail application of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige.
Pending the court’s decision, Ngige will remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre. The order was made on Monday after the court heard arguments from both the defence and the prosecution on the bail request.
Counsel to the former minister, Patrick Ikwueto, SAN, urged the court to grant his client bail, citing health concerns and arguing that Ngige is not a flight risk. He told the court that the former Anambra State governor lacks the capacity to leave the country at this time and would not interfere with witnesses or jump bail if released.
However, counsel to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Sylvanus Tahir, opposed the application, insisting that Ngige poses a flight risk. Tahir told the court that the EFCC had earlier granted Ngige administrative bail and allowed him to travel abroad for medical treatment, but he allegedly failed to report back to the agency.
He added that the passport released to facilitate the trip was not returned, arguing that Ngige only claimed the document was lost after he was re-arrested. Tahir described the explanation as an afterthought and urged the court to dismiss the bail application as frivolous.
After hearing both sides, Justice Hassan adjourned the matter to December 18 for ruling. Ngige was arraigned last Friday on an eight-count charge bordering on alleged corrupt practices.
