ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — A Nigerian court on Thursday upheld the administrative bail granted to former Minister of Labour and Employment Chris Ngige, but imposed additional conditions to ensure his compliance with an ongoing corruption investigation.
Justice Maryam Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarinpa ruled that Ngige may continue to enjoy the bail earlier approved by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The decision followed a formal application by his legal team seeking to maintain the existing terms.
Ngige’s lead counsel, Patrick Ikwueto, argued that the former minister had met all previous requirements and should not face harsher restrictions. The court agreed to retain the EFCC’s bail framework but added new measures aimed at strengthening oversight.
The judge ordered Ngige to produce a surety who must be a serving director in the Federal Civil Service. The surety is required to own a landed property and deposit the title documents with the court for the duration of the proceedings.
Justice Hassan also directed that the surety surrender his travel documents until Ngige retrieves his own passport, which had earlier been submitted to the EFCC as part of his administrative bail.
Ngige was initially granted bail on self‑recognition, a privilege sometimes extended to senior public officials. The EFCC had also instructed him to provide one surety and hand over his travel documents while the investigation continued.
The case stems from an EFCC probe into alleged financial misconduct. Although the court did not disclose the full details of the allegations, Ngige previously spent time in EFCC custody while his bail conditions were being processed, signaling the seriousness of the inquiry.
Similar conditions have been imposed in other high‑profile EFCC cases involving former governors, ministers and senior officials. Courts have increasingly required property‑based sureties and passport seizures to prevent flight risks and ensure cooperation.
Legal analysts said the ruling reflects a growing judicial trend toward tightening bail terms for politically exposed persons. Some civil society groups welcomed the decision, saying it reinforces accountability in corruption‑related cases.
Others questioned the requirement for a senior civil servant as surety, arguing it could place undue pressure on public officials. Online reactions were mixed, with some praising the court’s firmness and others expressing skepticism about the impact on the investigation.
The case is expected to return to court for further hearings, with the updated bail conditions now forming part of the framework governing Ngige’s temporary release.
