The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday arraigned former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, before an Abuja High Court in Gwarinpa over allegations of a N2.2 billion contract fraud.
Ngige pleaded not guilty to an eight-count charge bordering on abuse of office and acceptance of gifts from contractors of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), an agency he supervised between September 2015 and May 2023.
Following his plea, Justice Maryam Hassan ordered the immediate remand of the former minister at the Kuje Correctional Centre. The court adjourned the case to Monday, December 14, to hear a formal bail application from the defence.
The prosecution, led by Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), applied for a trial date and requested the court remand the defendant pending trial. The prosecution emphasized the seriousness of the charges, stating a conviction could carry a minimum of five years imprisonment.
In response, the defence team led by Patrick Ikwueto (SAN) urged the court to grant bail on liberal terms. Ikwueto cited Ngige’s health concerns, his status as a known public figure, and argued the charges were not akin to terrorism or treason, which might justify denial of bail.
The prosecution countered by alleging Ngige had previously failed to return his international passport after being permitted to travel for medical treatment in October, a claim noted in the proceedings.
Justice Hassan ultimately remanded the defendant and fixed Monday for the bail hearing.
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