JUST IN: EFCC Arraigns Ex-Minister Ngige Over ‘Contract Fraud, Gratification’

By Emmanuel Kwada 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) today arraigned Chris Ngige, the former Minister of Labour and Productivity, on an eight-count charge bordering on contract fraud and illegal gratification totaling over N2.2 billion.

The arraignment, held before Justice Maryam Hassan at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Gwarimpa, Abuja, marks a significant development in investigations into alleged abuses during Ngige’s tenure overseeing the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).

Ngige, 73, who also served as Governor of Anambra State from 2003 to 2006 under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) before joining the All Progressives Congress (APC), pleaded not guilty to all charges. Dressed in a simple white shirt and dark trousers, the former minister appeared composed but visibly strained as he entered the plea.

The EFCC alleges that between 2015 and 2023, while supervising the NSITF, Ngige abused his position by awarding lucrative contracts to companies linked to his close associates, conferring undue advantages in violation of Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

The charges, dated October 31, 2025, outline a series of contracts awarded for consultancy, training, and supplies, allegedly funneled to entities owned by Ngige’s associates.

Key accusations include seven contracts worth over N366 million awarded to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, owned by Ezebinwa Charles, as well as eight additional contracts exceeding N583 million to another firm linked to Charles.

Further allegations involve eight contracts valued at more than N362 million to Jeff & Xris Limited, allegedly owned by Nwosu Chukwunwike, along with contracts totaling N668 million to Olde English Consolidated Limited and N161 million to Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, both reportedly owned by Uzoma Igbonwa.

In addition to the contract awards, Ngige is accused of receiving financial gratifications through his Senator (Dr.) Chris Nwabueze Ngige Campaign Organization.

These include N38.6 million from Cezimo Nigeria Limited, N55 million from Zitacom Nigeria Limited, and N26 million from Jeff & Xris Limited—acts said to contravene Section 17(a) of the Act and punishable under Section 17(c). The total sum involved in the alleged fraud stands at N2,261,722,535.84, highlighting what prosecutors describe as a systematic pattern of corruption.

EFCC lead counsel Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, urged the court to remand Ngige at the Kuje Correctional Centre and set a trial date, citing the seriousness of the offenses.

Defense counsel Patrick Ikwueto, SAN, informed the court that Ngige had been notified of the arraignment only the day prior and requested conditional bail on health grounds, including an oral application for self-recognizance.

However, Tahir objected, noting that Ngige had failed to comply with prior administrative bail conditions, including surrendering his international passport.

The defense countered that the passport had been stolen during a recent trip, and the EFCC had been notified via letter—a claim Tahir denied knowledge of.

After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Hassan ordered Ngige’s remand at Kuje Correctional Centre until Monday, December 15, 2025, when the bail application will be heard and determined.

Background and Arrest

Ngige’s arrest on December 10, 2025, came amid rumors of a kidnapping, later clarified by his media aide, Fred Chukwuelobe, as an EFCC operation. Family members described the raid on his Asokoro residence as “commando-style,” involving about 20 operatives from the EFCC’s Wuse II Zonal office.

Ngige, who was on administrative bail and had cooperated by returning his travel documents, had recently aborted a medical trip to the United States after losing his passport in transit through the United Kingdom.

He obtained temporary documents from the Nigerian High Commission in the UK to return home but was detained before submitting an explanatory letter to the EFCC.

Ngige’s political career has been marked by controversy, including his brief governorship in Anambra, which ended amid electoral disputes. Under former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, he played a key role in labor reforms but faced criticism over handling strikes and worker welfare.

As the case proceeds, all eyes will be on the December 15 bail hearing, which could determine whether Ngige remains in custody during what promises to be a protracted trial. The EFCC has vowed to pursue the matter vigorously, underscoring its commitment to combating graft in public office.