Justice Mariam Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory has directed that former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, be kept at the Kuje Correctional Centre following his arraignment on allegations of corruption.
Ngige is expected to remain in custody until Monday, when the court will take up his bail request.
The former minister was brought before the court over accusations that he conferred an improper advantage on individuals linked to him by approving several contracts during his tenure from 2015 to 2023.
He was also alleged to have received monetary gifts running into millions through his organizations while in public office. Despite the allegations, Ngige entered a plea of not guilty to all eight counts filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
The court was unable to entertain his bail application immediately, as the document had only just been served on the prosecution before the proceedings began. His legal representative, Patrick Ikweato (SAN), appealed to the court to allow the former minister temporary freedom on health-related grounds while awaiting the formal hearing of his bail.
The EFCC’s counsel, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), opposed the request, describing Ngige as a possible flight risk and indicating that the prosecution intended to formally respond to the application. Justice Hassan, in a brief ruling, postponed the matter to Monday, December 15, for arguments on the bail request.
According to the charge sheet marked FCT/HC/CR/726/2025, the first count alleges that Ngige used his office as Minister of Labour and Employment and as Supervising Minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund “to confer an unfair advantage upon Cezimo Nigeria Limited,” a company linked to Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, by awarding seven contracts involving consultancy, training, and supply valued at N366,470,920.68, among other related allegations.
What you should know
The case against Chris Ngige centers on allegations that he improperly influenced contract awards and accepted financial benefits during his time in office.
His remand in Kuje is a procedural step pending the hearing of his bail application, which was delayed because the prosecution only received the motion shortly before court proceedings began. While his lawyers argue that his health condition warrants temporary release, the EFCC maintains that he could evade trial if granted bail prematurely.
Monday’s hearing is expected to clarify the next phase of the legal process and determine whether he will remain in custody during the trial.
