Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, reportedly broke down in court as he pleaded with the judge to release him on bail, insisting he could meet any bail condition set by the court. Ngige told the court that he has pressing health challenges and needed to return home for medical attention.
Despite his emotional plea, the presiding judge ordered that the former minister be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his bail application. The decision sparked murmurs across the courtroom as Ngige was escorted out by security operatives.
The case, which has drawn significant public attention, continues to unfold as Nigerians await the next hearing to determine whether the former minister will be granted bail.
According to the amended charge sheet sighted by Throwback Times Nigeria, EFCC accused Dr. Chris Ngige of unlawful approval of seven contracts valued at over N366 million for consultancy, training, and supply services at the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF). These contracts were reportedly awarded to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, a company said to be owned by his associate, Ezebinwa Charles.
The prosecution further claims that he awarded an additional eight contracts worth more than N583 million to another company linked to the same associate.
The anti-graft agency also accuses the former minister of abusing his office by giving undue advantage in the award of eight contracts valued at over N362 million to Jeff & Xris Limited, a company allegedly owned by Nwosu Chukwunwike.
Two other companies Olde English Consolidated Limited and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, both reportedly owned by Uzoma Igbonwa were also awarded contracts aggregating N668 million and N161 million, respectively, under suspicious circumstances.
The EFCC says these actions violate Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
In addition, the commission alleges that Ngige received financial benefits from NSITF contractors through his political structure, the Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige Campaign Organisation. According to investigators, payments were made into the organisation’s Zenith Bank account by companies including:
Cezimo Nigeria Limited – N38.6 million
Zitacom Nigeria Limited – N55 million
Jeff & Xris Limited – N26 million
These allegations, the EFCC says, violated Section 17(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and are punishable under Section 17(c) of the same Act.
Dr. Ngige, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges brought against him.
Following submissions of Dr. Ngige’s lawyer, Patrick Ikwueto (SAN), the trial judge, Maryam Hassan, ordered his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre and adjourned until Monday for hearing of his bail application.
Source: Throwback Times
