A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, at the Kuje Correctional Centre over an alleged ₦2.2 billion fraud.
Justice Mariam Hassan issued the order on Friday following Ngige’s arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The court adjourned the matter to Monday, December 15, for the hearing of his bail application.
Ngige, a former Governor of Anambra State, is the sole defendant in an eight-count charge marked FCT/HC/CR/726/2025. He arrived at the court premises at about 8:10am under the escort of EFCC operatives.
Allegations Against Ngige
The charges revolve around offences allegedly committed during his tenure as the supervising Minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) from September 2015 to May 2023, under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to the EFCC, Ngige used his official position to unlawfully confer advantages on several companies linked to his close associates through the award of contracts totaling more than ₦2.2 billion.
EFCC and Defence Arguments
EFCC counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, urged the court to fix a date for the commencement of trial and requested that the former minister be remanded in EFCC custody pending the determination of his bail application.
However, Ngige’s lawyer opposed the request, arguing that his client had already spent three days in EFCC custody. He described Ngige as a well-known public figure who was prepared to meet any bail conditions. The defence also cited concerns about his health, noting that he required adequate medical attention.
Details of the Alleged Contract Irregularities
The eight-count charge outlines how Ngige allegedly abused his office to benefit companies associated with his allies:
Count One: Awarding seven NSITF contracts worth ₦366,470,920.68 to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, linked to his associate, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles.
Count Two: Awarding eight contracts worth ₦583,682,686.00 to Zitacom Nigeria Limited, also linked to Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles.
Count Three: Awarding eight contracts valued at ₦362,043,163.16 to Jeff & Xris Limited, reportedly linked to Nwosu Jideofor Chukwun
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