Eshioromeh Sebastian, Abuja.
In a dramatic display of political resilience, former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, made a swift and conspicuous return to the heart of Nigeria’s power circle, hours after being granted bail on allegations of a N2.2 billion fraud.
Ngige, who was ordered released from the Kuje Correctional Centre by a Federal Capital Territory High Court on Thursday afternoon, arrived at the State House Conference Centre in Aso Rock for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) National Caucus meeting later the same day.
His arrival caused a stir, as he was briefly held back by security personnel before being cleared to join the high-profile gathering, which was already underway with President Bola Tinubu in attendance.
The former minister’s entrance was met with noticeable cheers from some presidential aides and party members.
Earlier in the day, Justice Maryam Hassan had granted Ngige bail under stringent conditions, including producing a serving Federal Director as a surety and surrendering his travel documents. The judge had ordered him to remain in custody until the conditions were perfected.
Ngige is facing an eight-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleging he received N2.2 billion in kickbacks from contractors of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund during his tenure as supervising minister.
The court has adjourned his trial to January 28 and 29, 2026.
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