Former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, has denied any wrongdoing in the alleged N2.2 billion fraud for which he is being detained by the EFCC. Ngige spoke on Tuesday while responding to questions from journalists at the Kuje Correctional Centre, where he has been held since his arrest last week.
Ngige said he has no connection to the financial offences outlined in the charge filed by the anti‑graft agency. He insisted that he carried out his duties as minister with integrity and in line with the law.
“My hands are clean,” he declared. “I served this country honourably. I acted at all times with transparency and within the limits of my office.”
The former Anambra State governor also said he has faith in the judiciary and is confident that the truth will emerge during his trial. He encouraged Nigerians to remain calm and allow the legal process to play out.
Ngige’s comments come amid mounting speculation about the investigations relating to contracts awarded during his tenure as supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) between 2015 and 2023. He said he was unaware of any fraudulent conduct linked to the deals under scrutiny.
He urged supporters and well‑wishers not to draw conclusions until the matter is fully resolved in court. “Let the process determine the outcome, not rumours and social media stories,” he added.
Meanwhile, lawyers representing Ngige said they are working on his defence and will challenge alleged inconsistencies in the case against him.
The EFCC has indicated that it will proceed with prosecution once it completes its investigation into the alleged offences.
