Ex‑Labour Minister Chris Ngige Arraigned by EFCC Over ₦2.2bn Contract Fraud, Remanded in Kuje
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday arraigned former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Gwarinpa Division, on allegations of contract fraud amounting to ₦2.2 billion.
Justice Maryam Hassan ordered Ngige’s remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his bail application, fixed for Monday, December 14.
Ngige pleaded not guilty to eight counts bordering on abuse of office and acceptance of gifts from contractors of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) during his tenure as supervising minister between September 2015 and May 2023.
EFCC counsel, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), applied for a trial date and urged the court to remand the defendant pending commencement of full trial.
The prosecution argued that the charges were grave, noting that conviction could attract a minimum of five years’ imprisonment.
It further alleged that Ngige failed to return his international passport after being permitted to travel for medical treatment in October.
Lead defence counsel, Patrick Ikwueto (SAN), opposed the remand application, urging the court to grant bail on health grounds.
He argued that Ngige had already spent three days in EFCC custody prior to arraignment and stressed that bail is a constitutional right.
Counsel emphasized that the allegations were not of the magnitude of terrorism or treason, and therefore should not justify denial of bail.
He also complained that the defence was not afforded sufficient time to file a counter‑affidavit in response to the EFCC’s application.
Justice Hassan adjourned the matter to December 14 for hearing of the bail application and ordered Ngige’s remand in Kuje pending determination.
