A Federal High Court has ruled that former Minister of Labour and Productivity Chris Ngige must remain free on administrative bail while legal proceedings continue in his case of alleged fraud and abuse of power.
The ruling was issued on Thursday, December 18, 2025, by the judge presiding over Ngige’s case, following arguments from lawyers for both sides regarding his bail status.
Ngige, who was prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on multiple charges, including alleged contract fraud and abuse of power during his tenure as supervisory minister of the Nigeria Social Security Trust Fund, had applied for bail through his legal team.
However, the court ruled that Ngige must remain free on administrative bail pending a hearing and a decision on his formal bail application, which will be considered at a later date. The judge’s decision means that Ngige remains free under certain conditions while the legal process unfolds.
During the proceedings, Ngige’s lawyer reiterated his arguments for his release on health and legal grounds, noting that administrative bail was preferable to imprisonment given his health needs and his long political career.
The prosecutor, representing the EFCC, did not object to the continuation of administrative bail but informed the court that the formal bail application was not yet ready for its hearing.
The ruling comes amid growing public attention to the case due to Ngige’s prominent political profile as a former governor, minister, and legislator.
Legal analysts say the court’s decision strikes a balance between protecting the defendant’s rights and ensuring that legal proceedings continue without prejudice or undue delay.
Ngige’s legal team is expected to resubmit the formal bail application when the matter returns to court, and observers are closely watching for further developments in this high-profile case.
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