By Our Correspondent
A Federal High Court has granted bail to former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, following his arraignment over alleged involvement in a ₦2.2 billion contract fraud.
Ngige was docked on charges bordering on conspiracy and abuse of office, linked to the alleged irregular award and execution of contracts during his tenure as minister. Prosecutors claimed that the contracts in question were either grossly inflated or improperly executed, causing substantial financial loss to the federal government.
The former minister pleaded not guilty to all charges when they were read in court. His legal team subsequently applied for bail, arguing that Ngige is a well-known public figure with a fixed address and a history of cooperating with authorities, and therefore posed no flight risk.
In its ruling, the court granted Ngige bail on self-recognition, citing his status and assurances that he would make himself available for trial. The judge cautioned that any breach of the bail conditions would result in severe consequences.
The case was adjourned to a later date for the commencement of trial. The development has drawn significant public interest due to Ngige’s prominence in Nigeria’s political scene and the scale of the alleged financial impropriety.
