Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, was on Friday arraigned before Justice Yusuf Halilu of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Maitama, on an eight-count charge bordering on abuse of office and corrupt enrichment.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges that Ngige, while serving as minister between 2015 and 2023, used his office to confer corrupt advantages upon associates by influencing the award of contracts worth billions of naira through the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
The charges, filed under sections 17(a) and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, claim that the former minister received gratification exceeding ₦2.26 billion in total from contractors linked to the NSITF.
Appearing in the dock, the ex-minister pleaded not guilty to all eight counts when they were read to him.“My lord, I am not guilty,” Ngige stated firmly.
Prosecuting counsel Rotimi Oyedepo (SAN) urged the court to remand the defendant in EFCC custody pending the hearing of his bail application. However, defence counsel Emeka Etiaba (SAN) prayed the court to grant his client bail on liberal terms, citing Ngige’s previous compliance with EFCC invitations and his status as a former senator and governor.
After hearing both sides, Justice Halilu admitted Senator Ngige to bail in the sum of ₦500 million with two sureties in like sum, one of whom must own property worth at least ₦500 million within the Federal Capital Territory.
The judge ordered that Ngige be remanded in EFCC custody until the bail conditions are perfected.The case has been adjourned to February 17, 18 and 19, 2026, for commencement of trial.
Ngige, a medical doctor and two-term governor of Anambra State, served as Minister of Labour and Employment under President Muhammadu Buhari from November 2015 to May 2023. He was taken into EFCC custody earlier this week, prompting initial rumours of kidnapping which his media aide quickly debunked.
The arraignment is the latest in a series of high-profile corruption cases instituted by the anti-graft agency against former top government officials.
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