From Marcus Nkire
A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, in Kuje Correctional Centre after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned him on Friday over alleged contract fraud running into more than N2.2 billion.
Ngige appeared before Justice Maryam Hassan in Gwarinpa to face an eight-count charge bordering on abuse of office, unlawful contract influence, and receiving financial benefits while supervising the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
The former minister, who served in the federal cabinet from 2015 to 2023, firmly denied all allegations, entering a not-guilty plea to each count.
EFCC counsel urged the court to remand the defendant and allow the case to proceed to full trial, insisting that the financial infractions levelled against Ngige required decisive handling. The defence countered with a bail request, citing health concerns and arguing that the former minister needed urgent medical attention.
Justice Hassan fixed Monday, December 14, for the hearing of the bail application and directed that Ngige be held at the Kuje Correctional Centre until the court delivers its decision.
The proceedings drew a sizeable crowd, including family members, political associates and journalists, who watched as security operatives escorted Ngige out of the courtroom.
The EFCC’s case forms part of a wider probe into alleged irregularities in contract approvals and spending patterns at the NSITF during Ngige’s oversight. The trial is expected to commence once the court rules on the bail application.
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