A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Gwarinpa, Abuja, on Friday ordered the remand of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, at the Kuje Correctional Centre following his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of contract fraud and abuse of office involving more than N2.2 billion.
Justice Mariam Hassan, who presided over the matter, ordered Ngige’s remand pending the hearing of his bail application, now scheduled for Monday, December 15, 2025.
Ngige, who served as supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) between September 2015 and May 2023, pleaded not guilty to all eight counts filed against him.
The eight-count charge, dated October 31 and filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Sylvanus Tahir (SAN) and a team of EFCC lawyers, accuses Ngige of using his official position to confer unfair advantages on companies closely linked to his associates by awarding multiple NSITF contracts for consultancy, training, supply and construction.
According to the prosecution:
• Cezimo Nigeria Limited was allegedly awarded seven contracts totalling about ₦366.47 million.
• Zitacom Nigeria Limited received eight contracts worth about ₦583.68 million.
• Jeff & Xris Limited allegedly secured eight contracts valued at about ₦362.04 million.
• Olde English Consolidated Limited and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited were also accused of receiving contracts worth about ₦668.14 million and ₦161.60 million respectively.
The EFCC further alleges that the former minister corruptly accepted monetary gifts through entities linked to him, including tens of millions of naira from contractors connected to the NSITF — allegations the defence has vehemently denied.
During proceedings, Ngige’s counsel argued for bail on health grounds and noted that his client had been granted administrative bail previously. The prosecution countered that Ngige was a flight risk, stressing he had failed to return his international passport after a prior medical trip abroad, a claim disputed by the defence.
Justice Hassan adjourned the matter for the hearing of the bail application and ordered that Ngige be allowed access to medical practitioners while in custody.
