A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Gwarinpa has ordered a former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, to remain on the administrative bail earlier granted him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
Justice Mariam Hassan, who delivered the ruling on Thursday, however imposed fresh conditions, directing Ngige to produce a surety who must be a director in the employment of the Federal Government and also own landed property.
The court further ordered that the surety deposit documents relating to the landed property as well as travel documents with the court, pending the conclusion of processes for the retrieval of Ngige’s international passport.
Ngige was earlier granted bail by the EFCC on self-recognition, with a directive that he submit his travel documents to the commission and provide one surety.
Despite this, the former Anambra State governor was subsequently remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre.
The former minister is facing an eight-count charge bordering on alleged corrupt practices to the tune of ₦2.2 billion.
The charge, dated October 31 and filed on December 9, was brought by a team of EFCC lawyers led by Sylvanus Tahir, SAN.
According to the prosecution, the alleged offences were committed while Ngige served as Minister of Labour and Employment under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
He pleaded not guilty to all the charges when he was arraigned.
The case has been adjourned to a later date for further proceedings.
