A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, on Friday ordered the remand of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, in Kuje Correctional Centre over his alleged involvement in a N2.2bn contract fraud.
Ngige, a former governor of Anambra State, was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on an eight-count charge bordering on fraud, bribery and abuse of office allegedly committed during his tenure as labour minister between 2015 and 2023.
The former minister, who also served as governor on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party from 2003 to 2006, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
According to the anti-graft agency, Ngige used his ministerial position to award several inflated contracts through the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) to companies linked to his associates.
The EFCC alleged that he awarded: seven contracts totalling N366m to Cezimo Nigeria Ltd, a firm linked to his associate, Ezebinwa Charles; eight contracts worth N583m to another Charles-owned company ; and eight contracts valued at N362m to Jeff & Xris Ltd, linked to one Nwosu Chukwunwike.
Additional contracts of N668m and N161m to Olde English Consolidated Ltd and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Ltd, both belonging to Uzoma Igbonwa.
The commission further alleged that Ngige received gratification—including N38.6m, N55m and N26m—from various contractors through his political organisation, Senator (Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige) Campaign Organization.
EFCC noted that the alleged offences violate Sections 17 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
At Friday’s proceeding, EFCC counsel Sylvanus Tahir (SAN) asked the court to remand Ngige in Kuje pending the commencement of trial.
But the defence counsel, Patrick Ikwueto (SAN), told the court that they were informed of the arraignment only a day earlier and could not prepare a formal bail application.
He urged Justice Maryam Hassan to grant the defendant temporary bail on health grounds or allow an oral bail application.
The EFCC opposed the request, insisting that Ngige had yet to surrender his international passport, a key requirement of an earlier administrative bail.
Ikwueto countered that the passport had been stolen and that the commission had been duly informed—a claim Tahir denied knowledge of.
After listening to both parties, Justice Hassan ordered the former minister’s remand in Kuje Correctional Centre and scheduled Monday for hearing of the bail application.
Ngige was arrested by the EFCC on Wednesday.
'
'Do you want to share a story with us? Do you want to advertise with us? Do you need publicity for a product, service, or event? Contact us on WhatsApp +2348183319097 Email: platformtimes@gmail.com
We are committed to impactful investigative journalism for human interest and social justice. Your donation will help us tell more stories. Kindly donate any amount HERE
