A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Gwarimpa, Abuja, has ordered that former Minister of Labour, Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige, remain in Kuje Prison until December 15, 2025, following his arraignment on alleged corrupt practices. Ngige, a former governor of Anambra State, faced an eight-count charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
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Ngige pleaded not guilty to the allegations, which relate to his tenure as Minister of Labour under the late President Muhammadu Buhari. The charges claim he improperly awarded contracts and accepted gifts from companies associated with him while overseeing the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF). These alleged actions involve several companies, including Cezimo Nigeria Limited, Zitacom Nigeria Limited, Jeff & Xris Limited, Olde English Consolidated Limited, and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, with contract values totaling billions of naira.
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The High Court, led by Justice Maryam Aliyu Hassan, declined Ngige’s oral bail application, ruling that it was not ready for hearing. The formal bail application will be argued on December 15, and Ngige is to remain in Kuje Prison until that date. His lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Patrick Ikwueto, had sought to move the bail application, but the EFCC’s counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, opposed it, saying the agency had not yet formally responded.
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The eight-count charge accuses Ngige of abusing his ministerial position to favor companies linked to his associates, awarding contracts for consultancy, training, and supplies, and accepting monetary gifts through his campaign and scholarship organizations. The offences are alleged to contravene Sections 17(a) and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The court’s decision ensures Ngige remains in custody while the formal bail application is considered, and the case continues to unfold in the coming days.
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