Ex-Labour Minister Chris Ngige Arraigned, Remanded in Kuje Prison

A former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, has been arraigned before an Abuja High Court sitting in Gwarinpa by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged N2.2 billion contract fraud. Ngige pleaded not guilty to eight counts bordering on abuse of office and acceptance of gifts from contractors of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund .

Justice Maryam Hassan ordered that Ngige be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his bail application, fixed for Monday, December 14. The EFCC counsel, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), had applied for a trial date and asked the court to remand the defendant, citing the gravity of the offense .

The defence counsel, Patrick Ikwueto (SAN), opposed the EFCC’s submission and urged the court to grant his client bail on health grounds. Ikwueto noted that Ngige had been in EFCC custody for three days prior to the arraignment and that the former minister required medical attention .

The court will hear Ngige’s bail application on December 14, and the trial is expected to commence soon after. The EFCC’s allegations against Ngige are serious, and the outcome of the trial will be closely watched .

The arraignment of Chris Ngige is a significant development in the EFCC’s efforts to combat corruption in Nigeria. If convicted, Ngige could face severe penalties, including imprisonment and asset forfeiture. The case will also test the EFCC’s ability to investigate and prosecute high-profile corruption cases .