Former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, on Friday pleaded not guilty to an eight-count charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Ngige was arraigned before Justice Mariam Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarinpa. The former minister is accused of improperly awarding eight contracts for supply, training, and consultancy—allegedly executed through the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF)—amounting to ₦583,682,686.
During the proceedings, EFCC counsel Sylvanus Tahir urged the court to fix a date for the commencement of trial. He also requested that Ngige be remanded in EFCC custody pending the start of the case.
In response, Ngige’s counsel informed the court that his client had already spent the last three days in EFCC detention. He argued that Ngige, a well-known public figure and former federal minister until just over a year ago, poses no flight risk.
The defence further appealed for bail on health grounds, insisting that the former minister urgently needs medical attention. Counsel also urged Justice Hassan to consider Ngige’s public service record and standing in society while making her decision.
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