A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) high court has ordered the remand of Chris Ngige, former minister of labour and productivity, in Kuje prison, pending the determination of his bail application.
Ngige was arraigned on Friday before Maryam Hassan,
presiding judge, on an eight-count charge bordering on misuse of office,
contract fraud and receiving gratification.
In the charge dated October 31, the commission alleged that
the former minister used his position to confer undue advantage by awarding
multiple contracts to associates and companies linked to him.
The EFCC alleged that between September 2015 and May 2023,
Ngige, while serving as supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance
Trust Fund (NSITF), approved seven contracts for consultancy, training and
supply to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, valued at N366,470,920.68.
The company’s managing director, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu
Charles, is described as an associate of the former minister.
The offence, according to the anti-graft agency, violates
section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The charge sheet also lists other companies that allegedly
benefited from contracts approved under Ngige.
Zitacom Nigeria Limited, whose managing director (MD)/chief
executive officer (CEO) is Ezebinwa, was said to have received eight contracts
for supply, training and consultancy worth N583,682,686.
Jeff & Xris Limited, owned by Nwosu Jideofor
Chukwunwike, allegedly secured eight contracts valued at N362,043,163.16.
Olde English Consolidated Limited, led by Uzoma Igbonwa, was
listed as receiving four contracts for consultancy, training and construction
totalling N668,138,141.
Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, also
linked to Igbonwa, allegedly received another four contracts worth
N161,604,625.
The former Anambra governor was also alleged to have
corruptly accepted a N38,650,000 gift through the
Chris Nwabueze Ngige Campaign Organisation from Cezimo
Nigeria Limited (Zenith Bank Account Number 1011901119), a contractor with the
Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
He was also said to have received another N55,003,000 gift
through his organisation called Senator (r) Chris Ngige Scholarship Scheme from
Zitacom Nigeria Limited (Zenith Bank Account Number 1017263219), a contractor
with the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
Upon arraignment, Ngige pleaded not guilty to all the
counts.
Sylvanus Tahir, prosecution counsel, asked the court to
remand the defendant in prison custody and fix a date for trial to commence.
However, Patrick Ikwueto, Ngige’s counsel, told the court
that he had filed a bail application for his client. Although he acknowledged
that the application was premature, he prayed the court to allow him move an
oral bail application for his client.
Ikwueto said the defendant was granted administrative bail
by the EFCC and has abided by the bail conditions. He also said his client has
been in custody of the EFCC for three days and is unwell.
He prayed the court to grant his client bail in the interim
to allow him access to medical attention.
Opposing the bail condition, Tahir said Ngige is a flight
risk. He said the defendant was granted administrative bail in October and
allowed to go for medical treatment abroad on the condition that he must return
his international passport upon arrival.
The prosecution lawyer said Nigige has failed to submit the
passport since his return to Nigeria on November 19.
Responding, Ikwueto said his client had written to the
commission upon his return informing them that he was robbed in London and
important items, including documents, his international passport and cash, were
stolen from him.
He said he was able to return using a travel certificate.
But Tahir said he was unaware of such a letter.
In her ruling, Hassan ordered the defendant to be remanded
in Kuje correctional facility and adjourned the case to Monday, November 15, to
hear the bail application.
She also added that the defendant be allowed access to
medical practitioners while in custody.
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