From Victor Osula, Abuja
A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Gwarinpa, Abuja, has ordered the remand of former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, at the Kuje Correctional Centre following his arraignment on corruption charges totalling N2.2 billion.
Justice Mariam Hassan issued the remand order on Friday after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned the former minister on an eight-count charge bordering on abuse of office and granting undue advantage to associates during his tenure under the administration of the late former President Muhammadu Buhari.
According to the charge sheet dated October 31 and endorsed by EFCC’s lead counsel, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), along with five other prosecutors, Ngige allegedly abused his office between September 2015 and May 2023 by using his influence as supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) to unlawfully confer benefits on associates and companies linked to them.
Investigators claim the former minister facilitated the award of at least 31 contracts to five companies believed to be owned by, or connected to, his associates.
In Count One, Ngige is accused of steering seven NSITF contracts worth N366.47 million to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, managed by Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, described as a close associate.
Zitacom Nigeria Limited, also linked to Ezebinwa, allegedly received eight contracts totalling N583.68 million. Jeff & Xris Limited, connected to another associate, Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike, reportedly secured eight contracts worth N362.04 million.
Olde English Consolidated Limited, tied to Uzoma Igbonwa, was allegedly awarded four contracts valued at N668.13 million, while Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited reportedly got four contracts worth N161.60 million.
The contracts covered consultancy, training, construction works and supplies, and were allegedly routed through the NSITF over several years under Ngige’s oversight.
The EFCC maintains that the offences contravene Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, which criminalises the use of public office for personal or associate gain and carries penalties, including imprisonment.
During Friday’s proceedings, Ngige — a former Anambra State governor who was arrested in Abuja on Wednesday night — pleaded not guilty to all charges.
After his plea, EFCC counsel Sylvanus Tahir urged the court to remand the defendant in EFCC custody pending his bail hearing and asked for an early trial date.
However, Ngige’s lawyer, Patrick Ikwueto, opposed the request, arguing that the former minister had already spent three days in EFCC custody. He maintained that Ngige, a prominent public figure, posed no flight risk and required urgent medical attention.
Justice Hassan adjourned the matter to December 15 for hearing of the bail application.
