Former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, has been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre following his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of fraud totaling ₦2.2 billion.
Justice Mariam Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory High Court issued the remand order on Friday, adjourning proceedings until Monday, December 15, when Ngige’s application for bail is set to be heard.
Ngige, who previously served as Governor of Anambra State, arrived at the court around 8:10 a.m., escorted by EFCC operatives. He faces an eight-count charge (FCT/HC/CR/726/2025) relating to his tenure as supervising Minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) from September 2015 to May 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.
During the arraignment, EFCC counsel Sylvanus Tahir requested that the court set a trial date and that Ngige remain in EFCC custody until the bail hearing. The defence team, however, opposed the remand, highlighting that Ngige had already spent three days in EFCC detention.
They emphasized his status as a prominent public figure, expressed willingness to comply with any bail conditions, and raised concerns about his health, calling for medical attention.
You May Like: Dangote Refinery Slashes Petrol Prices Ahead of Yuletide, Boosting Affordability
The charges allege that Ngige abused his ministerial position to benefit four companies connected to his associates by awarding contracts worth more than ₦2.2 billion. The breakdown of the alleged irregularities is as follows:
* Count One: Awarded seven contracts totaling ₦366,470,920.68 to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, linked to Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles.
* Count Two: Awarded eight contracts worth ₦583,682,686.00 to Zitacom Nigeria Limited, also linked to Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles.
* Count Three: Granted eight contracts totaling ₦362,043,163.16 to Jeff & Xris Limited, associated with Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike.
* Count Four: Allocated four contracts amounting to ₦668,138,141.00 to Olde English Consolidated Limited, tied to Uzoma Igbonwa.
Ngige is scheduled to return to court on Monday, December 15, for the hearing of his bail application.
