Former Minister Chris Ngige makes a surprise appearance at the APC National Caucus meeting in Abuja just hours after being granted bail in a 2.2 billion fraud trial .
In a “sequence of events that has captivated the Nigerian political landscape the former Minister of Labour and Employment Dr Chris Ngige made a high profile appearance at the All Progressives Congress APC National Caucus meeting on Thursday His arrival at the Presidential Villa in Abuja came just hours after he was granted bail by a Federal Capital Territory FCT High Court following a week long detention at the Kuje Correctional Centre .
The sight of the former “Governor of Anambra State walking into the State House Conference Centre sent ripples through the gathering of the party’s top brass Despite his ongoing legal battles with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC Ngige’s presence signaled a defiant stance and a continued commitment to his role within the ruling party’s hierarchy .
The Road to Freedom Details of the Bail Grant
The dramatic day began at the FCT High Court in Gwarimpa where Justice Maryam Hassan delivered a ruling on Ngige’s bail application The former minister had been in custody since December 12 2025 after being arraigned on an eight count charge bordering on corruption and abuse of office .
While the EFCC vehemently opposed the bail—labeling Ngige a flight risk due to issues surrounding his international passport—the court ruled in favor of the defendant Justice Hassan emphasized that bail is a constitutional right and that the charges while serious are bailable offenses .
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New Bail Conditions
Although Ngige was allowed to leave Kuje the court imposed specific conditions to ensure his continued appearance for trial .
- Surety He must provide one surety who is a Director within the Federal Government payroll .
- Property The surety must own a landed property within the Federal Capital Territory .
- Documentation Title documents of the property and the surety’s travel documents must be deposited with the court .
- International Passport Ngige is required to submit his travel documents to the court once the issues regarding his stolen passport are resolved .
The trial has been adjourned until January 28 and 29 2026 for the commencement of the full hearing .
A Surprise Appearance at Aso Villa
Hours after meeting the initial requirements for his release Ngige arrived at the Presidential Villa for the APC National Caucus meeting The meeting presided over by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and various state governors .
Witnesses at the scene noted that Ngige was briefly stopped by security operatives at the entrance of the conference center—likely due to the high security protocols surrounding the President—but he was eventually cleared and allowed to join his colleagues His entrance was met with mixed reactions of surprise and support from fellow party members .
His attendance at such a critical party gathering so soon after his release from prison underscores his deep rooted influence within the APC particularly as the party navigates internal reforms and prepares for the 2026 budget presentation .
Understanding the Charges The 2.2 Billion Fraud Case
The legal cloud hanging over Dr Ngige involves allegations of financial impropriety during his tenure as the Minister of Labour and Employment under the Buhari administration The EFCC’s case centers on 1 Contract Fraud Allegations of awarding contracts worth over 366 million to companies linked to his associates through the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund NSITF 2 Kickbacks Claims that he received gratifications through his campaign organization and scholarship schemes 3 Abuse of Office Using his position as supervising minister to confer unfair advantages on preferred entities .
Ngige has pleaded not guilty to all charges with his legal team arguing that the prosecution’s claims are based on administrative processes that do not constitute criminal acts .
The Significance of the Timing
Ngige’s release and immediate return to the political fold come at a sensitive time for the APC The National Caucus meeting was part of a broader series of consultations including the National Executive Committee NEC meeting scheduled for the following day .
For the former minister appearing at the Villa serves as a public statement of his innocence and his continued relevance in the party’s Inner Circle For the APC it highlights the delicate balance the party must maintain between supporting its stalwarts and upholding the anti corruption stance often touted by the presidency .
Disclaimer
The news information presented here is based on available reports and reliable sources Readers should cross check updates from official news outlets .