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By Myke Agunwa
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday arraigned Dr. Chris Ngige, former Minister of Labour and Employment, before Justice Mariam Hassan at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarimpa, Abuja, over an alleged N2.26 billion fraud involving contract splitting, abuse of office, and illicit gratification from contractors.
Ngige, a prominent All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain and ex-governor of Anambra State from 2003 to 2006, pleaded not guilty to all eight counts when the charges were read to him in open court.
The 74-year-old politician, who served as labour minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari from 2015 to 2023, arrived at the courthouse around 8:10 a.m. escorted by EFCC operatives, amid tight security.
The charges, dated October 31, 2025, stem from Ngige’s tenure as supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) between September 2015 and May 2023. Prosecutors allege that Ngige exploited his position to award inflated contracts worth N2,261,722,535.84 to companies linked to his associates, cronies, and relatives, bypassing due process and splitting contracts to evade competitive bidding.
Some of the key allegations include: “Approving seven NSITF contracts for consultancy, training, and supplies totaling N366,470,920.68 to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, a firm connected to his associate Ezebinma Amarachukwu Charles.
“Influencing eight contracts valued at N362,043,163.16 (and an additional N583,682,686 in related awards) to Jeff & Xris Limited, led by Ngige’s alleged alter ego, Nwosu Chukwunwike.
“Facilitating four contracts worth N668,138,141 to Olde English Consolidated Limited.
“Awarding four more contracts totaling N161,604,625 to Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, owned by another associate, Uzoma Igbonwa”.
The EFCC further accused Ngige of receiving corrupt gratification between May and June 2022, including N38.65 million funneled through his campaign organization from Cezimo Nigeria Limited, N55 million via his scholarship scheme from Zitacom Nigeria Limited, and N26.13 million from Jeff & Xris Limited. These acts, the commission said, contravene Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Following Ngige’s not guilty plea, his counsel requested bail, citing his age and health concerns. The EFCC prosecutor did not oppose but urged the court to impose stringent conditions.
Justice Hassan adjourned the matter to December 19 for ruling on the bail application and fixed February 10, 2026, for the start of trial.
The arraignment comes days after Ngige’s dramatic detention by the EFCC on Wednesday night, December 10, which sparked unfounded kidnapping rumors.
His media aide, Fred Chukwuelobe, quickly clarified on Thursday that the former minister was in agency custody for questioning, dispelling social media speculation.