The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Tuesday arraigned a former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr Chris Ngige, before Justice Mariam Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Gwarinpa, on an eight-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office and corrupt enrichment.
Ngige, a former governor of Anambra State, arrived at the court premises at about 8:10am in the company of EFCC operatives ahead of his formal arraignment.
In the charge marked FCT/HC/CR/726/2025, filed on December 9 and dated October 31, the former minister was listed as the sole defendant. The prosecution team was led by Sylvanus Tahir (SAN).
According to the EFCC, the alleged offences were committed during Ngige’s tenure as Minister of Labour under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, particularly in his capacity as the supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund.
Alleged Contract Awards
In count one, the anti-graft agency accused the ex-minister of using his office between September 2015 and May 2023 to confer an “unfair advantage” on Cezimo Nigeria Limited, owned by Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, described as his associate.
Ngige allegedly facilitated the award of seven consultancy, training, and supply contracts worth ₦366,470,920.68 to the firm.
Count two alleged that he used his position to similarly benefit Zitacom Nigeria Limited, owned by the same associate, by approving eight NSITF contracts valued at ₦583,682,686.
In count three, Ngige was accused of favouring Jeff & Xris Limited, owned by Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike, with eight contracts allegedly totalling ₦362,043,163.16.
Count four claimed he used his office to award four NSITF consultancy, training, and construction contracts to Olde English Consolidated Limited, linked to his associate, Uzoma Igbonwa, valued at ₦668,138,141.
Similarly, in count five, Ngige was alleged to have conferred an unfair advantage on Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, also linked to Igbonwa, with four contracts worth ₦161,604,625.
The EFCC said the actions violated Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Alleged Corrupt Gifts
In counts six to eight, the former minister was accused of receiving financial gifts totalling ₦119,783,000 from three firms that were contractors to NSITF:
₦38,650,000 from Cezimo Nigeria Ltd, paid into the Senator Chris Ngige Campaign Organisation account.
₦55,003,000 from Zitacom Nigeria Ltd, paid into the Senator Chris Ngige Scholarship Scheme account.
₦26,130,000 from Jeff & Xris Ltd, also channelled through the scholarship scheme.
The EFCC alleged that the payments were made while Ngige was performing his official duties as Minister of Labour and Employment—an offence said to contravene Section 17(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and punishable under Section 179(c) of the same Act.
The former minister is expected to take his plea when the matter is called.
