Court Sends Ngige To Kuje As EFCC Pushes ₦2.2bn Corruption Case

Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, has been ordered to remain in Kuje Correctional Centre until Monday as he faces an eight-count corruption charge filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Ngige appeared before Justice Mariam Hassan of the FCT High Court on Thursday, where he firmly denied allegations that he abused his position in the Ministry of Labour and as supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) between 2015 and 2023.

According to the EFCC, Ngige conferred an “unfair advantage” on associates through the award of several NSITF contracts. One of the charges alleges that he helped Cezimo Nigeria Limited, a company linked to his associate, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, secure seven consultancy, training and supply contracts worth ₦366.47 million. The agency also claims he accepted various monetary gifts running into millions of naira through organisations connected to him while he was in office.

Bail hearing stalls after late filing

Proceedings slowed when Ngige’s bail application was served on the prosecution moments before the hearing began. His lead counsel, Patrick Ikweato (SAN), appealed to the court to allow the former minister return home temporarily, citing health concerns and the need to properly argue his bail on the next adjourned date.

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But EFCC counsel Sylvanus Tahir (SAN) opposed the request, warning that Ngige could attempt to evade trial. He asked the court to allow the prosecution respond formally before any decision is taken.

Justice Hassan agreed and adjourned the matter to December 15 for the full hearing of the bail application. Until then, the former minister will remain in Kuje.

The case is part of a broader EFCC investigation into alleged misuse of funds within the NSITF during Ngige’s tenure. In the newly filed charge marked FCT/HC/CR/726/2025, the agency listed multiple counts centred on contract awards, personal benefits, and alleged preferential treatment to associates.

Ngige has maintained his innocence, insisting he will clear his name in court.