The former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, has been remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre over an alleged N2.2 billion fraud. A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja ordered that Ngige be held in custody until December 18, pending a ruling on his bail application.
Ngige, who also served as a former governor of Anambra State, was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on multiple charges bordering on abuse of office and misappropriation of public funds. The EFCC alleges that he used his position to award contracts to companies linked to his associates and personal interests while serving as minister.
The prosecution claimed that between 2015 and 2023, Ngige conferred unfair advantages on various companies, including Cezimo Nigeria Limited and Zitacom Nigeria Limited, awarding them multi-million-naira contracts through the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF). The total amount involved reportedly exceeds N2.2 billion.
Justice Binta Aminu, who presided over the case, adjourned the matter after listening to arguments from both the EFCC and Ngige’s legal team. While the defense urged the court to grant bail on health grounds, the prosecution argued that the former minister posed a flight risk.
Until the court delivers its ruling on the bail request on December 18, Ngige will remain at the Kuje prison. The case has drawn wide public attention, being one of the highest-profile corruption cases involving a former top government official since the new administration took office.
