A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarinpa on Friday ordered the remand of former Anambra governor and minister of Labour and Employment Chris Ngige at the Kuje Correctional Centre over fraud charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Justice Maryam Hassan gave the order after the EFCC arraigned the former minister on eight counts bordering on contract fraud and receiving gratifications.
He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The judge directed that he remain in custody pending the hearing of his bail application scheduled for Monday.
Minister Ngige, who served as labour minister from 2015 to 2023, was arrested by the EFCC on Wednesday at his Abuja residence.
According to the charge sheet, the EFCC accused him of awarding multiple contracts through the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) to companies linked to his associates.
These include, Seven contracts worth over N366 million allegedly awarded to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, owned by his associate Ezebinwa Charles, eight contracts worth over N583 million allegedly awarded to another company linked to Mr Charles, eight contracts worth over N362 million allegedly awarded to Jeff & Xris Limited, owned by Nwosu Chukwunwike, contracts worth N668 million and N161 million allegedly awarded to Olde English Consolidated Limited and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, both owned by Uzoma Igbonwa.
The EFCC also alleged that Ngige received various sums from contractors into the “Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige Campaign Organisation,” including, N38.6 million from Cezimo Nigeria Limited, N55 million from Zitacom Nigeria Limited and N26 million from Jeff & Xris Limited.
The anti-graft agency said the conduct violated provisions of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
After his arraignment, EFCC counsel Sylvanus Tahir asked the court to remand the defendant.
Chris Ngige’s lawyer, Patrick Ikwueto, informed the court that the defence team received notice of the arraignment on Thursday and had not filed a formal bail application.
He urged the court to grant temporary bail on health grounds and attempted an oral bail application.
Tahir opposed the request, noting that Ngige had yet to submit his passport as required under earlier bail conditions.
Ikwueto argued that the passport was stolen and the EFCC was notified.
Justice Hassan then ordered Ngige’s remand and adjourned the matter until Monday for bail hearing.
Ngige’s detention follows his earlier arrest during the week, which the EFCC later confirmed after rumours circulated that he had been abducted.
