Court Remands Chris Ngige in Kuje Prison Over Alleged ₦2.26bn Contract Fraud

“Former Labour Minister Chris Ngige has been remanded in Kuje Prison after pleading not guilty to an eight-count charge of allegedly awarding ₦2.26bn in NSITF contracts to associates. Bail hearing holds December 14.”

Justice Maryam Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, Gwarimpa, Abuja, has ordered the remand of former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his bail application slated for Monday, December 14.

Ngige was arraigned on an eight-count charge bordering on abuse of office, receiving gifts from government contractors, and allegedly conferring undue advantage on associates through the award of contracts totalling ₦2,261,722,535.84 during his tenure as Supervising Minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) from September 2015 to May 2023.

The former minister, however, pleaded “not guilty” to all charges.

The charges, dated October 31 and filed by Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, alongside five other lawyers on behalf of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), allege that Ngige used his office to improperly influence contract awards to companies linked to his associates.

In count one, the EFCC alleges that Ngige “used his position to confer an unfair advantage upon Cezimo Nigeria Limited,” a company whose Managing Director and alter ego, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, is said to be a close associate. The agency claims that Ngige approved seven contracts for consultancy, training, and supplies valued at ₦366,470,920.68, in violation of Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

The charge further lists Zitacom Nigeria Limited, also linked to Ezebinwa, as having received eight contracts worth ₦583,682,686.00.

Similarly, Jeff & Xris Limited, whose MD/CEO and alter ego is Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike, allegedly secured eight contracts amounting to ₦362,043,163.16.

Another company, Olde English Consolidated Limited, headed by Uzoma Igbonwa, allegedly benefited from four contracts for consultancy, training, and construction services totalling ₦668,138,141.00.

Additionally, Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, also linked to Igbonwa, reportedly received four contracts valued at ₦161,604,625.00.

Following the arraignment, Justice Hassan ordered Ngige’s remand and adjourned the matter to December 14 for hearing of the bail application.