Ngige leaves Kuje correctional centre, joins APC caucus hours after bail

The former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, arrived at the APC National Caucus meeting in Aso Rock on Thursday, December 18, just hours after he regained his freedom from the Kuje Correctional Centre, where he had been remanded in connection with a ₦2.2 billion corruption trial.
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‎Ngige’s legal troubles began on December 12, this year when he was arraigned by the EFCC on an eight-count charge of contract fraud and abuse of office during his tenure as supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
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‎The EFCC accuses Ngige of awarding contracts worth over ₦366 million and ₦583 million to companies linked to his associates. He is also alleged to have received ₦38.6 million in kickbacks through his campaign organization. He was ordered to be remanded in Kuje Prison pending the determination of his bail application.
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Justice Maryam Hassan of the FCT High Court granted Ngige bail, based on medical grounds and his status as a former governor and minister. The court adopted a previous administrative bail but added strict new conditions, including the submission of his international passport and a ₦500 million bond.
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‎While the bail allows Ngige to remain free for the holidays, his legal battle is far from over. The FCT High Court has adjourned the continuation of his trial to January 28 and 29, 2026.
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‎Ngige, after being released did not head home for rest, but instead traveled directly to the Presidential Villa to participate in the APC’s second major caucus meeting.
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‎Ngige joined the meeting filled with top members of the APC, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, and several newly defected governors from the PDP, as the party consolidates power ahead of the 2026/2027 political cycle.
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