Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Abuja, Nigeria — Former Minister of Labour and Productivity and one‑time governor of Anambra State, Senator Chris Ngige, has been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre following his arraignment on allegations of contract fraud and abuse of office involving more than ₦2.2 billion. The order was issued by Justice Mariam Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Gwarinpa, as the prosecution and defence prepare for a hearing on bail.
Ngige was brought before the court on Friday, 12 December 2025, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which charged him with eight counts of corruption, including awarding lucrative contracts to companies linked to his associates during his tenure as supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and receiving financial benefits from some of those firms. He pleaded not guilty to all counts.
The EFCC alleges that between September 2015 and May 2023, Ngige used his position to confer “undue advantage” on several firms by approving contracts for consultancy, training, supply and construction through the NSITF, a body under his supervisory purview. Multiple companies — including Cezimo Nigeria Limited, Zitacom Nigeria Limited, Jeff & Xris Limited, Olde English Consolidated Limited and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited — were cited in the charge sheet as beneficiaries of the contested awards, with each contract cumulatively totalling over ₦2.26 billion.
In addition to allegations surrounding contract awards, the EFCC claims Ngige corruptly accepted various sums of money — described as gifts — through organisations connected to him, such as the “Chris Nwabueze Ngige Campaign Organisation” and the “Chris Ngige Scholarship Scheme.” The prosecution asserts that these payments, totalling tens of millions of naira, were received while he was performing official duties and amounted to violations of sections of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
During proceedings, the EFCC’s counsel, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Sylvanus Tahir, urged the court to remand Ngige in prison custody, opposing immediate bail and arguing that the former minister might pose a flight risk and could interfere with the ongoing investigation. Defence counsel Patrick Ikwueto (SAN) countered that Ngige, a well‑known public figure, should be granted bail, citing health concerns and asserting that his client had already been in EFCC custody for several days.
Despite the defence’s request for interim bail, including an oral application on health grounds, Justice Hassan ruled that Ngige should be held at Kuje Correctional Centre pending the formal bail hearing, which has been adjourned to Monday, 15 December 2025. This decision underscores the court’s cautious approach amid serious allegations involving significant public funds and potential abuse of office.
Ngige’s remand comes amid intensifying efforts by Nigerian authorities, particularly the EFCC, to hold high‑profile public officials to account for alleged financial misconduct. Critics of the case have raised concerns about perceived politicisation of anti‑corruption prosecutions, while supporters of strict enforcement argue that senior figures should face the same legal scrutiny as any other citizen.
The charges against Ngige relate to actions allegedly committed during his tenure as supervising minister of the NSITF, a role that positioned him to influence contract awards and institutional decision‑making. The prosecution’s narrative focuses on patterns of awarding lucrative deals to associates, as well as the acceptance of sizeable “gifts,” which the EFCC contends are incompatible with lawful conduct and public service ethics.
Observers note that the outcome of the upcoming bail hearing and the broader trial could have implications for ongoing debates about corruption prosecutions in Nigeria, particularly those involving former or serving public officials. Legal analysts say that the judicial process will need to balance procedural fairness with the public interest in prosecuting alleged corruption, especially given the high profiles of the parties involved.
For now, Ngige remains in custody at the Kuje Correctional Centre as the court prepares to consider arguments on bail before the substantive trial commences. The case continues to attract attention both for its legal ramifications and its political overtones, reflecting wider public scrutiny of governance, accountability and the fight against corruption in Nigeria.
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