A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of former Minister of Labour and Employment and ex-Governor of Anambra State, Chris Ngige, at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his bail application.
Justice Mariam Hassan issued the order on Friday after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Ngige on an eight-count charge bordering on alleged corruption involving N2.2 billion.
The court fixed Monday, December 15, for the hearing of the bail application.
During the proceedings, EFCC counsel Sylvanus Tahir requested a date for the commencement of trial and urged the court to remand the former governor in EFCC custody pending the bail hearing.
However, Ngige’s counsel objected, noting that the defendant had already been in EFCC detention for three days. He argued that Ngige is a well-known public figure who served in government until about 15 months ago and has no reason to evade trial. The defence further stated its readiness to meet any bail conditions, adding that the former minister was in poor health and required medical attention.
