Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, was on Friday arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarinpa, Abuja, over an alleged N2.2bn contract fraud.
The former Anambra State governor was brought before Justice Maryam Hassan on an eight-count charge involving contract fraud and receiving bribes. Following his arraignment, Justice Hassan ordered that Ngige be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre until his bail application is heard on Monday, December 15.
According to the EFCC, Ngige awarded seven contracts worth more than N366 million through the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, a company linked to his associate Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles. He is also accused of awarding eight contracts valued at over N583 million to another company owned by Charles, Zitacom Nigeria Limited.
Additionally, the EFCC alleged that Ngige abused his office by awarding eight contracts worth more than N362 million to Jeff & Xris Limited, owned by Nwosu Chukwunwike. Other companies reportedly favoured include Olde English Consolidated Limited and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, which received contracts worth N668 million and N161 million respectively.
These alleged offences, committed during Ngige’s tenure as a minister under the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari (2015–2023), violate Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Ngige is further accused of receiving financial benefits through his campaign organisation from NSITF contractors: N38.6 million from Cezimo Nigeria Limited, N55 million from Zitacom Nigeria Limited, and N26 million from Jeff & Xris Limited, in violation of Section 17(a) of the same Act.
He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Following the plea, prosecuting counsel Sylvanus Tahir (SAN) requested a trial date and urged the court to remand Ngige in custody. Defence counsel Patrick Ikwueto (SAN) explained that they were informed of the arraignment only a day earlier and had not been able to file a formal bail application. He sought to apply orally for bail, citing Ngige’s health and reputation.
Tahir opposed the oral application and argued that Ngige had not submitted his international passport as required under his administrative bail. The defence countered that the passport had been stolen and that the EFCC had been formally notified, though the prosecution denied receiving such notice.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Hassan ordered Ngige’s remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre and adjourned the case to Monday, December 15, for the hearing of his bail application.
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