The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign 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 corruption and abuse of office.
Ngige, who once served as Governor of Anambra State, arrived at the court premises around 8:10 a.m. on Friday in the company of EFCC operatives.
The charges, marked FCT/HC/CR/726/2025, were dated October 31 and filed on December 9 by a legal team led by Sylvanus Tahir (SAN). The EFCC alleges that the former minister committed the offences during his tenure under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Breakdown of the Allegations
In Count One, Ngige is accused of using his position as supervising Minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) between September 2015 and May 2023 to grant undue advantage to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, linked to Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles.
The firm allegedly received seven consultancy, training, and supply contracts worth ₦366,470,920.68.
Count Two alleges that he similarly awarded eight NSITF contracts valued at ₦583,682,686.00 to Zitacom Nigeria Limited, also associated with Ezebinwa.
In Count Three, Ngige is accused of favouring Jeff & Xris Limited, reportedly linked to Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike, with eight consultancy and supply contracts totalling ₦362,043,163.16.
Count Four concerns allegations that he used his office to benefit Olde English Consolidated Limited, headed by Uzoma Igbonwa, with four contracts valued at ₦668,138,141.00.
Count Five alleges that Ngige awarded four additional NSITF contracts worth ₦161,604,625.00 to Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, also linked to Igbonwa.
All five counts are said to contravene Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Alleged Acceptance of Financial Gifts
The remaining counts accuse the former minister of corruptly accepting financial gifts from contractors while in office:
Count Six: Allegedly received ₦38,650,000 through the Senator (Dr) Chris Nwabueze Ngige Campaign Organisation from Cezimo Nigeria Limited.
Count Seven: Allegedly collected ₦55,003,000 through the Senator (Dr) Chris Ngige Scholarship Scheme from Zitacom Nigeria Limited.
Count Eight: Allegedly received ₦26,130,000 through the same Scholarship Scheme from Jeff & Xris Limited.
These alleged offences fall under Section 17(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and are punishable under Section 179(c).
Ngige is expected to take his plea as proceedings commence before Justice Hassan.
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