- Chris Ngige rejects N2.2bn EFCC fraud allegation
- Former minister arraigned on eight-count charge in Abuja
- Court grants bail pending trial
- Ngige says no embezzlement or theft involved
Ngige, who served as Nigeria’s Minister of Labour from 2015 to 2023, was arraigned on December 12 before the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarimpa, Abuja, on an eight-count charge bordering on abuse of office and alleged acceptance of gifts.
The EFCC accused the former minister of using his position to grant unfair advantage to companies allegedly linked to his associates through contracts awarded by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
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According to the prosecution, contracts worth over N2.2 billion were allegedly awarded to firms including Cezimo Nigeria Limited, Zitacom Nigeria Limited, Jeff & Xris Limited, Olde English Consolidated Limited, and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited.
The anti-graft agency also alleged that Ngige received monetary gifts from contractors between May and June 2022, including funds routed through a campaign organisation and scholarship scheme.
However, Ngige strongly refuted the claims after being granted bail by Justice Maryam Hassan, stressing that the charges did not accuse him of stealing or misappropriating public funds.
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“My hands are clean. In over three decades of public service, including as Governor of Anambra State, I have never been found wanting in the handling of public funds,” Ngige said.
He further questioned how ministers could be accused of influencing contract awards, explaining that such processes are handled by Ministerial Tenders Boards chaired by Permanent Secretaries.
“Ministers neither preside over nor control contract awards. These companies competed like others and, in many cases, even lost bids or were disqualified,” he added.
EFCC counsel Sylvanus Tahir (SAN) opposed Ngige’s bail application, citing the seriousness of the charges and alleging a previous breach of administrative bail. However, defence counsel Patrick Ikwueto (SAN) argued that the offences were bailable and raised concerns about Ngige’s health.
The court eventually granted bail, allowing the former minister to regain his freedom pending the commencement of trial next year.
