The Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarinpa, Abuja, on Friday ordered the remand of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, at the Kuje Correctional Centre over allegations of fraud and bribery totalling N2.2 billion.
Justice Maryam Hassan gave the order after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned the former minister on eight counts bordering on contract fraud, gratification, and abuse of office linked to his tenure as chairman of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
Ngige, who served as labour minister between 2015 and 2023 and was governor of Anambra State from 2003 to 2006, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
According to the EFCC, Ngige allegedly awarded multiple contracts running into hundreds of millions of naira to companies linked to his close associates. These include:
Cezimo Nigeria Limited – over N366 million for consultancy and supply contracts
Another Cezimo-linked set of contracts – over N583 million
Jeff & Xris Limited – over N362 million
Olde English Consolidated Limited – N668 million
Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited – N161 million
The commission further accused the former minister of collecting financial gratification through his political organisation, Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige Campaign Organisation, including:
N38.6 million from Cezimo Nigeria Limited
N55 million from Zitacom Nigeria Limited
N26 million from Jeff & Xris Limited
The offences, according to the EFCC, violate sections 17(a) and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and are punishable under the same law.
During the arraignment, EFCC counsel, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), requested a trial date and urged the court to remand Ngige pending further proceedings.
Ngige’s lawyer, Patrick Ikwueto (SAN), informed the court that the defence had only been notified of the arraignment a day earlier and had not yet filed a formal bail application. He requested conditional bail on health grounds and attempted to move an oral bail application, which the EFCC opposed.
The prosecution further argued that Ngige had yet to submit his passport as required in previous bail conditions. The defence countered that the passport had been stolen and that the EFCC had been duly informed—a claim the prosecution disputed.
After listening to both sides, Justice Hassan ordered Ngige’s remand and adjourned proceedings to Monday for the hearing of his bail application.
Copyright © EaglesWatchOnline 2023 All rights reserved.
This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without written permission from EaglesWatchOnline.
