News Update
A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Gwarimpa, Abuja, has ordered the remand of former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, at the Kuje Correctional Centre over allegations of contract fraud amounting to N2.2 billion.
Justice Maryam Hassan issued the remand order on Friday after Ngige pleaded not guilty to eight counts bordering on abuse of office, undue advantage, and receiving gifts from contractors linked to the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) during his tenure as supervising minister between September 2015 and May 2023.
The judge directed that Ngige be held in Kuje Prison pending the hearing of his bail application scheduled for Monday, December 14.
The charges, dated October 31 and filed by a team of six lawyers led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Sylvanus Tahir, allege that Ngige used his ministerial position to improperly award contracts to companies connected to his associates.
According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC):
Ngige allegedly conferred undue advantage on Cezimo Nigeria Limited, whose Managing Director, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, is said to be linked to him.
The company reportedly received seven NSITF contracts worth ₦366,470,920.68.
Zitacom Nigeria Limited, also associated with Ezebinwa, allegedly received eight contracts valued at ₦583,682,686.00.
Jeff & Xris Limited, led by Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike, was said to have been awarded eight contracts worth ₦362,043,163.16.
Olde English Consolidated Limited, managed by Uzoma Igbonwa, allegedly got four contracts valued at ₦668,138,141.00.
Another company linked to Igbonwa, Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, was reportedly awarded four contracts totaling ₦161,604,625.00.
The EFCC maintains that the contracts—ranging from consultancy to supply and training—were awarded in violation of procurement laws and constituted an abuse of ministerial authority.
During the court session, Ngige denied all allegations, insisting he did not improperly influence or benefit from the contracts.
The prosecution, however, argued that the gravity of the allegations warranted his remand pending the determination of his bail request.
Security around the court complex was tightened as the former minister was escorted out under guard shortly after the ruling.
What Happens Next…
Ngige is expected to return to court on December 14, when arguments on his bail application will be heard.
The EFCC is also expected to present additional documentary evidence tying the alleged contract irregularities to the former minister.
The case has already generated significant public interest, given Ngige’s prominence in national politics and his nearly eight-year tenure overseeing labour matters in Nigeria.