The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has ordered the remand of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, at the Kuje Correctional Facility in Abuja pending the hearing of his bail application.
Justice Mariam Hassan gave the ruling on Friday after Ngige was arraigned on an eight-count corruption charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The judge directed that he remain in custody until Monday, December 15, when his bail application will be heard.
According to the charge dated October 31, Ngige is accused of using his ministerial position between 2015 and 2023 to confer undue advantage on associates and companies linked to him.
The EFCC alleged that he awarded multiple contracts through the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) to firms connected to close associates.
- Count One: Ngige allegedly awarded seven contracts worth ₦366.47 million to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, linked to Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles.
- Count Two: He allegedly awarded eight contracts worth ₦583.68 million to Zitacom Nigeria Limited, also linked to Charles.
- Count Three: He allegedly awarded eight contracts worth ₦362.04 million to Jeff & Xris Limited, linked to Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike.
- Count Four: He allegedly awarded four contracts worth ₦668.13 million to Olde English Consolidated Limited, linked to Uzoma Igbonwa.
The EFCC further accused Ngige of corruptly accepting gifts worth several millions of naira through his organisations while in office.
Courtroom Drama
Ngige pleaded not guilty to all charges. His lead counsel, Patrick Ikweato (SAN), urged the court to admit him to bail on health grounds pending the formal hearing.
However, EFCC’s counsel, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), opposed the request, arguing that Ngige posed a flight risk. Justice Hassan ruled that the bail application would be heard on Monday, adjourning proceedings until then.
Ngige, who served as Governor of Anambra State from 2003 to 2006 and later as Minister of Labour and Employment from 2015 to 2023, is one of the most prominent political figures to face trial under President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
He was picked up from his Abuja home only a day earlier, on Wednesday.
His case comes amid renewed anti-corruption efforts targeting former ministers and governors. The EFCC has intensified investigations into alleged misuse of funds in key ministries, with the NSITF singled out for irregularities in contract awards.
Rate, Like 👍, Comment 💬, Share this article, Follow us on our social media handles, and Submit your own story to get featured and earn rewards!
WhatsApp Channel
Telegram Channel
