Key Points
- Court grants bail but sets strict surety demands today. The surety must be a federal government director with property.
- Ngige remains at Kuje until bail conditions are met. The court demanded a valid Certificate of Occupancy deposit.
- EFCC charged Ngige over NSITF contracts and alleged fraud. Ngige pleaded not guilty and firmly denies any wrongdoing.
An FCT High Court has granted bail to Chris Ngige today. Justice Maryam Hassan set strict surety and property rules. The order follows Ngige’s arraignment on corruption claims.
The judge demanded one federal government director as surety. That surety must own FCT property with valid C of O. See the EFCC arrest report on Ngige for background.
Court orders strict surety terms
The court asked for a Certificate of Occupancy deposit. Justice Hassan said paperwork must be lodged within days. Ngige will stay detained in Kuje until items arrive.
The EFCC says it filed an eight count charge. The agency accused Ngige of two point two billion fraud. The charge list includes training work and consultancy claims.
Ngige pleaded not guilty to every count this week. His lawyer asked for bail on medical and health grounds. The lawyer said Ngige will obey court orders and attend.
EFCC counsel opposed bail and noted passport concerns. The prosecutor said the passport left Nigeria for treatment. Court records show Ngige later said the passport was lost.
Charges and case details
The EFCC says seven NSITF contracts total three hundred sixty six million. Contracts covered consultancy, training, and supply tasks during tenure. See the Regina Daniels bail report for bail precedent.
Ngige held the supervising role during the reported period. The EFCC lists contractors who gave gifts to ministers. Prosecution says contractors linked to NSITF benefited from approvals.
Ngige pleaded not guilty and denied wrong doing. His lawyer vowed to fight the claims in court. The defence argued medical issues justified bail in this case.
The court set conditions to stop flight risk and tampering. Justice Hassan warned against witness contact while investigations continue. Any breach could lead to bail revocation and fresh custody.
Ngige will stay in Kuje until the surety appears. The court gave lawyers a short time to comply. Lawyers told reporters they will meet the order quickly.
Public reaction mixed across social feeds and political circles. Some praise the rule for strong steps on graft. Others call for full clear info and proper answers.
The case adds to wider anti corruption work in Nigeria. EFCC said it will pursue every lead without fear. The court will next set a trial timetable after bail.
Legal analysts say proof will depend on solid paper records. A clear audit trail will shape the judge’s decisions. Expect tight court scrutiny of contract approvals and payments.
Ngige is a former minister with many public supporters. Politicians from his party offered cautious public support this week. The legal fight will likely play out over months.
The EFCC case mentions gift receipts and contract approvals. Investigators must show who benefited and how payments moved. Courts will test evidence and the defence’s counter claims.
Reporters await the next hearing and formal trial dates. Editors note this story will be updated as details emerge. See our coverage for related stories and local updates.
Read more on ValidUpdates about related probes and filings today. See the Dangote petition and probe for related oversight news. Read full story below for more details and context.
