Former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, on Friday entered a plea of not guilty to an eight-count charge brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Ngige appeared before Justice Mariam Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarinpa, where he faced allegations of approving eight separate contracts involving supply, training, and consultancy services for NSITF, all reportedly linked to a particular company, amounting to ₦583,682,686.00 (Five Hundred and Eighty Three Million, Six Hundred and Eighty Two Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighty Six Naira) only.
During the proceedings, EFCC Counsel Sylvanus Tahir urged the court to assign a date for the beginning of the trial. Ahead of that date, he also asked that the former minister be placed in the custody of the anti-corruption agency.
Responding on behalf of Ngige, his counsel reminded the court that the defendant had already been held by the EFCC for the past three days. He stressed that Ngige is a well-known public figure who served as a minister until about a year and three months ago.
He maintained that his client is prepared to meet any bail terms that may be imposed, noting that the former minister is not in good health and must access medical treatment. The defence further urged Justice Hassan to factor Ngige’s years of national service into her consideration.
What you should know
Chris Ngige, a former governor and immediate past Minister of Labour and Productivity, was arraigned by the EFCC over allegations tied to multi-million-naira contracts awarded during his tenure.
He denied all charges, with his legal team insisting he has consistently cooperated with investigators and is medically unfit to remain in custody. The EFCC is pushing for his remand while preparing for trial.
His case adds to the growing list of high-profile corruption prosecutions currently before Nigerian courts, with the next phase hinging on the court’s decision regarding bail and trial scheduling.
