The FCT High Court in Gwaripa, Abuja, has adjourned its decision on the bail request filed by former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, to December 18.
The judge, Justice Maryam Hassan, announced the adjournment after listening to arguments from both the defence and the prosecution.
Ngige will remain in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre until the court gives its ruling on the bail application.
Ngige’s lawyer, Patrick Ikwueto (SAN), asked the court to grant his client bail, saying the former minister is not likely to run away.
He explained that Ngige has health issues and does not have the ability to leave the country.
The lawyer also assured the court that his client would not interfere with witnesses or fail to appear for trial if released.
The prosecution, led by EFCC counsel Sylvanus Tahir, opposed the request.
He told the court that Ngige could flee if granted bail.
According to him, the former minister was earlier given administrative bail by the EFCC and was allowed to travel abroad for medical treatment but did not return as expected.
Tahir also said the passport released to Ngige for the trip has not been returned.
He added that Ngige only claimed he lost the passport after he was arrested again, describing the claim as untrue and an excuse.
Tahir therefore urged the court to reject the bail application.
After hearing both sides, Justice Hassan fixed December 18 for the ruling on the matter.
KanyiDaily recalls search Chris Ngige was arraigned before the court last Friday on eight charges related to alleged corruption.
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