Chris Ngige
Picnews
A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja ordered that former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, be remanded at Kuje Correctional Centre after he pleaded not guilty to an eight‑count charge of contract fraud involving N2.14 billion. The presiding judge granted the remand pending a bail hearing scheduled for mid‑December, citing the seriousness of the allegations and the need to ensure Ngige’s availability for trial.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges that while serving as minister, Ngige abused his office to award contracts worth more than N2 billion to companies linked to him, in violation of public procurement regulations. The contracts were reportedly connected to the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and other government agencies, with the commission saying the awards were made without proper competitive bidding.
According to the charge sheet, the offences include abuse of office, acceptance of gifts, and money laundering. The EFCC named five firms—Cezimo Nigeria Limited, Zitacom Nigeria Limited, Jeff & Xris Limited, Olde English Consolidated Limited, and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited—as beneficiaries of the illicit contracts, and claimed Ngige received bribes totalling over N119 million from their directors.
Ngige’s legal team entered a not‑guilty plea and immediately applied for bail, which the court deferred to December 15, 2025. The judge ordered that the former minister be held at Kuje prison and that his passport be surrendered to the court, with a directive that he not travel outside the jurisdiction without permission.
The EFCC reiterated its commitment to pursuing the case, describing the evidence as “substantial” and urging the court to allow the matter to proceed without interference. Ngige, a veteran politician who has served as governor of Anambra State and as a senator, denied any wrongdoing and said he would vigorously contest the charges, framing them as politically motivated.
If convicted, Ngige could face a significant prison term and be barred from holding public office, which would add another chapter to his long political career. The case is expected to draw continued public and political attention as it moves through the judicial system, with observers watching for any broader implications for anti‑corruption efforts in Nigeria.
