The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Gwarimpa has granted bail to former Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige.

Ngige is facing an eight-count charge brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), involving alleged abuse of office and acceptance of gifts totaling around N2.2 billion. The gifts were reportedly received from contractors of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) during his tenure as supervising minister from September 2015 to May 2023.

In a ruling on Thursday, Justice Mariam Hassan ordered that Ngige be released on bail under the same conditions as the administrative bail previously granted by the EFCC.

The judge directed that Ngige provide a surety holding a director-level position and owning landed property within the court’s jurisdiction. Since Ngige said he had misplaced his international passport, the surety must deposit their own passport with the court, which will only be returned once Ngige produces a replacement.

The trial has been adjourned to January 28 and 29 next year.