The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Thursday began arraigned former Labour and Productivity Minister, Dr Chris Ngige on an eight-count charge on mismanagement of over ₦2.2 billion during his time in office.
Ngige, who also once served as governor of Anambra State, arrived at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarinpa around 8:10 a.m., accompanied by EFCC operatives ahead of proceedings before Justice Mariam Hassan.
The matter is registered as FCT/HC/CR/726/2025, with charges dated October 31 and filed on December 9 by a team of EFCC prosecutors led by Sylvanus Tahir (SAN).
The prosecution alleged that Ngige, while serving as Minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari, used his position as supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund to influence the award of multiple contracts to companies linked to his close associates.
In the first count, the EFCC contends that between September 2015 and May 2023, Ngige conferred an “unfair advantage” on Cezimo Nigeria Limited, owned by Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, with seven consultancy, training and supply contracts totaling ₦366,470,920.68.
The second count alleges that Zitacom Nigeria Limited, also tied to Ezebinwa, received eight NSITF contracts worth ₦583,682,686.00.
Another associate-linked firm, Jeff & Xris Limited, belonging to Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike, is said to have secured eight additional contracts valued at ₦362,043,163.16, forming the basis of the third count.
In count four, Ngige is accused of facilitating four contracts worth ₦668,138,141.00 for Olde English Consolidated Limited, owned by Uzoma Igbonwa.
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Count five centres on Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, also linked to Igbonwa, which reportedly received four more contracts totaling ₦161,604,625.00.
All five allegations fall under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The final three counts relate to financial benefits the EFCC says Ngige received from the same contractors during his tenure as minister.
In count six, he is accused of accepting ₦38,650,000 through the Senator (Dr) Chris Nwabueze Ngige Campaign Organisation from Cezimo Nigeria Limited.
Count seven alleges that he received ₦55,003,000 from Zitacom Nigeria Limited via the Chris Ngige Scholarship Scheme, while count eight claims he took ₦26,130,000 through the same scholarship platform from Jeff & Xris Limited.
These charges fall under Section 17(a) and are punishable under Section 179(c) of the Act.
Ngige pleaded not guilty to all eight counts. The court subsequently adjourned as the EFCC prepared to present its first witnesses in the ongoing proceedings.
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