A former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, was on Friday ordered to be remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre after he was arraigned before an Abuja High Court sitting in Gwarinpa by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged N2.2bn contract fraud.
Justice Maryam Hassan gave the remand order shortly after Ngige pleaded not guilty to eight counts bordering on abuse of office and receipt of gifts from contractors of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), where he served as supervising minister between September 2015 and May 2023. His bail application was fixed for hearing on Monday, December 14.
Following the plea, EFCC counsel, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), applied for an immediate trial date and urged the court to send the defendant to the Kuje facility pending the commencement of trial.
“In view of the not guilty plea entered by the defendant, we humbly apply for a trial date. We further pray my Lord that the accused person be remanded at Kuje prison pending the commencement of the full trial,” Tahir submitted.
But Ngige’s lead counsel, Patrick Ikwueto (SAN), opposed the request, arguing that the former minister deserved bail, especially as he had been held in EFCC custody for three days and was battling health challenges.
“The defendant has taken his plea, and your Lordship is now in control of this trial. He has been in EFCC custody for three days. He is not an unknown person in this country. Even in the charge, it is stated he was a minister of this country,” Ikwueto said.
He argued that the allegations did not fall under offences such as terrorism or treason that would justify keeping the defendant behind bars.
“It’s not as if he ate the ministry’s money or that of NSITF. The trial will show how the contracts were awarded. This is not a terrorism or treason charge,” he added.
The defence also faulted the prosecution for allegedly denying them the opportunity to file a counter-affidavit, insisting they should be given time to respond formally.
But the EFCC pushed back, accusing the defence of attempting to downplay the seriousness of the case. The prosecution described the allegations as “enormous crimes” that could earn the former minister a minimum of five years’ imprisonment if convicted.
The EFCC also told the court that Ngige failed to return his international passport after he was allowed to travel for medical treatment in October.
Justice Hassan subsequently adjourned the matter to December 14 for hearing of the bail application and ordered the immediate remand of the former minister in Kuje prison.
Details of alleged offences
According to court filings dated October 31, Ngige is accused of irregularly awarding multiple NSITF contracts to companies linked to his associates. They include:
Seven contracts worth N366.47 million to Cezimo Nigeria Limited
Eight contracts totalling N583.68 million to Zitacom Nigeria Limited
Eight contracts valued at N362.04 million to Jeff & Xris Limited, linked to his associate Nwosu Chukwunwike
Four contracts worth N668.14 million to Olde English Consolidated Limited
Four contracts totalling N161.60 million to Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited
Ngige is also accused of receiving monetary gifts from contractors between May and June 2022, including N38.65 million from Cezimo Nigeria Limited, N55 million from Zitacom Nigeria Limited and N26.13 million from Jeff & Xris Limited.
The EFCC said the alleged offences violate sections 17(a) and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
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