Court remands Ngige following EFCC allegation of N2.2b fraud

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By Madu Obi

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Gwarinpa has remanded the former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, at the Kuje Correctional Centre following his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged involvement in a ₦2.2 billion contract.

The presiding Judge, Justice Maryam Hassan, directed that the former minister should remain in custody, pending the hearing of his bail application scheduled for Monday, December 15.

EFCC had filed an eight-count charge against Ngige, over alleged contract fraud during his supervision of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).

According to the charge sheet dated October 31 and filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Sylvanus Tahir, alongside five other EFCC lawyers, the Commission alleged that Ngige used his office to unlawfully award multiple contracts to associates and companies connected to him.

In Count One, the EFCC alleged that between September 2015 and May 2023, Ngige “used his position to confer an unfair advantage upon Cezimo Nigeria Limited,” a firm linked to his associate, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles.

The company reportedly received seven consultancy, training, and supply contracts valued at ₦366,470,920.68, in violation of Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

The charge sheet also listed several other companies allegedly favoured by the former minister. Zitacom Nigeria Limited, also linked to Charles, reportedly received eight NSITF contracts worth ₦583,682,686.00.

Also, Jeff & Xris Limited, connected to Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike, was said to have secured eight contracts valued at ₦362,043,163.16.

Another beneficiary, Olde English Consolidated Limited, whose Managing Director is Uzoma Igbonwa, allegedly received four contracts for consultancy, training, and construction totalling ₦668,138,141.00, while Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, also linked to Igbonwa, reportedly obtained four additional contracts worth ₦161,604,625.00.

Ngige pleaded not guilty to the eight-count charge, which bordered on abuse of office and unlawful acceptance of gratification from contractors of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) during his tenure as supervising minister between September 2015 and May 2023.