Alleged N2.2bn contract fraud: Court grants bail to Ngige

The temporary freedom came after Ngige spent six days in Kuje Correctional Centre, following his remand at the centre.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Ngige on an eight- count charge, following his alleged involvement in N2.2billion contract fraud

The court also adopted terms of administrative bail  earlier granted to Ngige by the EFCC. 

As part of his bail conditions, Ngige  was ordered to produce a surety that must be a civil servant not below the rank of a director.

The court further directed that the surety must  be an owner of a landed property in the FCT and ordered Ngige  to surrender his international passport, saying that he must not travel outside the country without the court’s permission.

Justice Hassan also overruled a preliminary objection by the EFCC, filed to oppose the ex-minister’s application for bail.

The judge further held that the court had the power to exercise its discretion on the issue of bail, saying that the  discretion must be discharged judicially and judiciously without the imposition of conditions that would appear unreasonable and arbitrary.

Justice Hassan subsequently adjourned the matter till January 28 and 29, 2026, for trial.

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