Former Minister of Labour and one-time Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Chris Ngige, was on Friday ordered into Kuje Correctional Centre following his arraignment on corruption charges totaling ₦2.2 billion.
The order was issued by Justice Mariam Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, shortly after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) presented an eight-count charge against the former minister.
The court fixed Monday, December 15, for hearing on Ngige’s bail application.
At the hearing, EFCC counsel Sylvanus Tahir urged the court to set an early date for trial and requested that Ngige remain in custody until the bail application is decided.
Ngige’s lawyer objected, noting that the former minister had already spent three days in EFCC detention. He argued that Ngige was neither a flight risk nor an obscure figure, having served in public office until only 15 months ago. He also told the court that the defendant’s health was deteriorating and required immediate medical attention.
Ngige arrived at the court premises at about 8:10 a.m. under heavy escort by EFCC operatives.
In the case marked FCT/HC/CR/726/2025, filed December 9, the EFCC alleges that Ngige, while serving as supervising Minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), abused his office by awarding multiple contracts to companies owned by his close associates.
According to the charge sheet, Ngige allegedly used his position to award a series of NSITF contracts to companies linked to his close associates. In Count One, he is accused of awarding seven contracts worth ₦366,470,920.68 to Cezimo Nigeria Ltd, owned by Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles.
Count Two alleged that he granted another eight contracts valued at ₦583,682,686.00 to Zitacom Nigeria Ltd, also connected to Ezebinwa. In Count Three, Ngige is said to have favoured Jeff & Xris Ltd, owned by Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike, with eight consultancy and supply contracts amounting to ₦362,043,163.16. Count Four further accused him of awarding four additional contracts worth ₦668,138,141.00 to Olde English Consolidated Ltd, owned by Uzoma Igbonwa.
The contracts ranged from consultancy and training to supply and construction services.
Ngige, who served as Labour Minister from 2015 to 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, is the sole defendant in the high-profile case.
The court will decide on Monday whether he will regain temporary freedom pending trial.
Court Sends Ex-Minister Chris Ngige to Kuje Prison Over Alleged ₦2.2bn Contract Scandal
