Forrmer Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, was on Friday brought before a High Court in Gwarinpa, Abuja, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to face allegations connected to a N2.2 billion contract scandal. The anti-graft agency accused the ex-minister of misusing his position and receiving improper benefits from contractors tied to the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) during the period he oversaw the agency, between September 2015 and May 2023.
Justice Maryam Hassan, who presided over the arraignment, ordered that Ngige be kept at the Kuje Correctional Centre until the court considers his request for bail. The judge scheduled the bail hearing for Monday, December 14. Ngige, who appeared in court and listened as the charges were read out, pleaded not guilty to all eight counts.
Following the defendant’s plea, EFCC counsel, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), urged the court to set a date for full trial and to commit the former minister to prison custody to ensure his availability.
But Ngige’s lead counsel, Patrick Ikwueto (SAN), objected strongly to the prosecution’s request. He appealed to the court to grant his client bail, citing health concerns and pointing out that Ngige had already spent three days in EFCC custody before being brought to court. According to him, the former minister’s reputation and status make him easily traceable, and therefore not a flight risk.
Ikwueto argued that the charges were not in the category of grave national security threats such as terrorism or treason that would justify the denial of bail. He insisted that the case revolves around contract processes, which would be clarified during trial. The defence also complained that it was not given enough time to respond formally to the prosecution’s application.
The EFCC, however, dismissed the defence’s arguments, arguing that the offences were serious and carried heavy penalties if proven. The prosecution further accused Ngige of failing to return his international passport after being allowed to travel for medical reasons in October.
Justice Hassan ultimately adjourned the matter to December 14 and ordered that Ngige remain in Kuje prison until the bail application is heard.