N2.2bn Fraud Allegation: Ex-Minister Chris Ngige Arraigned, Remanded in Kuje Prison

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 allegations of N2.2 billion contract fraud.

Ngige, a former governor of Anambra State, appeared before Justice Maryam Hassan on an eight-count charge bordering on contract fraud, bribery, and abuse of office. The charges were filed on behalf of the Federal Government.

Justice Hassan ordered that he be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his bail application scheduled for Monday, December 15.

According to the EFCC, Ngige allegedly awarded seven contracts worth over N366 million through the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, a company linked to his associate, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles. He was also accused of awarding eight contracts valued at over N583 million to another Charles-owned company, Zitacom Nigeria Limited.

Additional allegations include awarding contracts worth N362 million to Jeff & Xris Limited, owned by Nwosu Chukwunwike, and awarding N668 million and N161 million worth of contracts to Olde English Consolidated Limited and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, both linked to Uzoma Igbonwa.

The commission further alleged that Ngige collected various sums as gratification from these companies through his campaign organisation. These include N38.6 million from Cezimo Nigeria Limited, N55 million from Zitacom Nigeria Limited, and N26 million from Jeff & Xris Limited. The alleged offences violate Sections 17 and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Ngige pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Following the plea, prosecuting counsel Sylvanus Tahir (SAN) requested a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant in prison custody. Defence counsel Patrick Ikwueto (SAN) informed the court that the legal team received notice of the arraignment only a day earlier and had not filed a formal bail application.

Ikwueto sought oral bail on self-recognition and on health grounds, but Tahir opposed the request, arguing that a written application was mandatory and noting that Ngige had not submitted his international passport as required by his administrative bail conditions. The defence countered that the passport had been stolen and that the EFCC had been notified, a claim the prosecution denied knowledge of.

After hearing both sides, Justice Hassan ordered Ngige’s remand and adjourned the case to Monday, December 15, for the hearing of his bail application.