EFCC Arraigns Former Minister Ngige for Alleged Corruption

Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, has been arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Gwarinpa, Abuja, over alleged N2.2 billion contract fraud.

Ngige, who served as minister from 2015 to 2023, pleaded not guilty to the eight-count charge, which includes abuse of office and acceptance of gifts from contractors of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).

The EFCC alleges that Ngige awarded contracts worth millions of naira to companies linked to his associates, including Cezimo Nigeria Limited, Zitacom Nigeria Limited, and Olde English Consolidated Limited.

The charges against Ngige include:

- *Contract Awards*: Awarding contracts worth N366 million to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, N583 million to Zitacom Nigeria Limited, and N362 million to Jeff & Xris Limited.

- *Gratification*: Receiving N38 million from Cezimo Nigeria Limited, N55 million from Zitacom Nigeria Limited, and N26 million from Jeff & Xris Limited.

Ngige's lawyer has applied for bail, citing health grounds, while the EFCC opposes the application, citing Ngige's failure to submit his international passport.

The court has remanded Ngige in Kuje prison until Monday, when his bail application will be heard