Court Remands Ngige in Kuje Prison Over Alleged N2.14bn Contract Fraud

An FCT High Court has ordered the remand of former labour minister Chris Ngige in Kuje prison pending the hearing of his bail application.

Ngige was arraigned on Friday before Justice Maryam Hassan on an eight-count charge filed by the EFCC, accusing him of abuse of office, contract fraud and receiving gratification while supervising the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) between 2015 and 2023.

The EFCC alleged he approved seven contracts worth N366.4 million for Cezimo Nigeria Limited, owned by his associate Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles. Zitacom Nigeria Limited, also linked to Ezebinwa, allegedly received eight contracts worth N583.6 million. Jeff & Xris Limited allegedly got eight contracts valued at N362 million, while Olde English Consolidated Limited reportedly received four contracts totalling N668.1 million. Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited allegedly secured four more contracts worth N161.6 million.

The commission also said Ngige received N38.6 million from Cezimo Nigeria Limited through his campaign organisation, and N55 million from Zitacom through his scholarship scheme.

Ngige pleaded not guilty.

Prosecution counsel Sylvanus Tahir urged the court to remand him, saying he is a flight risk for failing to return his passport after travelling abroad for medical treatment. Defence counsel Patrick Ikwueto, SAN, argued for interim bail, saying Ngige complied with EFCC’s administrative bail and that his passport was stolen in London.

Justice Hassan ordered his remand in Kuje prison and adjourned to Monday, November 15, for the bail hearing. She also directed that he be given access to medical care.