The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned a former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr Chris Ngige, on an eight-count charge bordering on alleged contract fraud totaling N583,682,686.
Dr Ngige, who served as governor of Anambra State from 2003 to 2006 and Labour Minister from 2015 to 2023, was arraigned before Justice Mariam Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Gwarinpa. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
According to the charge dated October 31, the EFCC alleges that Mr Ngige abused his office by awarding multiple supply, training and consultancy contracts through the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) to companies linked to him and his associates.
The former Minister had been in EFCC custody for three days before his arraignment, a development confirmed by his media aide, Fred Chukwuelobe, after rumours circulated that he had been kidnapped.
the proceedings, EFCC counsel, Sylvanus Tahir requested a date for the commencement of the trial and asked the court to remand the defendant in EFCC custody pending that date.
Counsel to the defendant opposed the remand request, arguing that Mr Ngige is a well-known public figure who would meet any bail conditions set by the court. He added that the former minister is not in good health and needs medical attention.
RN
