Court Holds Ngige in Remand Over N2.2bn Fraud Allegations, Bail Application Pending

Chris Ngige, a former minister of labor and employment, was placed under detention in Kuje Correctional Center by an Abuja High Court on Friday while his bail plea was being considered.

Ngige was charged with N2.2 billion fraud on Friday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Former Anambra governor Ngige is accused with eight charges of receiving bribes and committing fraud.

From May 29, 2003, until March 17, 2006, the defendant held the position of governor of Anambra under the PDP platform.

From 2015 to 2023, he was a minister in the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari.

Ngige was taken into custody by the EFCC on Wednesday.

He is being tried for allegedly committing fraud while serving as the Minister of Labor and Employment.

He was charged by the EFCC of giving seven contracts totaling more than N366 million “for consultancy, training and supply by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF)” to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, a business owned by his partner Ezebinwa Charles.

According to the EFCC, Ngige gave another business owned by Mr. Charles eight contracts totaling more over N583 million.

Additionally, the EFCC said that the defendant gave Nwosu Chukwunwike’s company, Jeff & Xris Limited, eight contracts totaling more than N362 million by using his position to grant preferential treatment.

He also gave contracts worth N668 million to Olde English Consolidated Limited and N161 million to Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, all of which are owned by Uzoma Igbonwa.

Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Act, 2000 is violated by these offenses, according to the EFCC.

Additionally, Ngige was charged by the anti-graft agency of using “his organization, called Senator (Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige Campaign Organization from Cezimo Nigeria Limited (Zenith Bank Account Number 1011901119)” to obtain compensation from NSITF contractors.

Additionally, the EFCC said that Ngige received N26 million from Jeff & Xris Limited, N55 million from Zitacom Nigeria Limited, and N38.6 million from Cezimo Nigeria Limited.

Section 17(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 was violated, according to the EFCC, and this is punishable under section 17(c) of the same Act.

However, he entered a not guilty plea to every accusation.

Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, the EFCC’s attorney, asked the court to remand Ngige to Kuje Custodial Center and requested a trial date.

However, Ngige’s attorney, Patrick Ikwueto, SAN, pointed out that they were only made aware of the arraignment yesterday and were unable to submit an application for bail.

Ikwueto pleaded with the judge to grant Ngige conditional bail due to her health.

Additionally, he tried to move for the defendant’s oral bail request on self-recognition.
Tahir pointed out that both an oral and written application could not be submitted to the court.

Additionally, he pointed out that Ngige has not yet turned up his international passport, which was a requirement of his prior bail.

However, Ikweto stated that the EFCC has been notified via letter that Ngige’s foreign passport was stolen.

Tahir denied being aware of the report.

Judge Maryam Hassan ordered his remand to the Kuje Correctional Center after hearing their arguments.

Justice Hassan postponed the hearing and decision regarding his bail request until Monday.