The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has finalised plans to arraign former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, on Friday over allegations of fraud totalling N2,261,722,535.84.
Court officials confirmed that the arraignment will take place at the Gwarinpa Division of the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
According to court documents obtained by our correspondent, Ngige faces eight counts relating to abuse of office and acceptance of monetary gifts from contractors of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) while serving as the supervising minister between September 2015 and May 2023.
Alleged abuse of office and contract awards
In the first count, the EFCC alleged that Ngige used his position to confer an unfair advantage on Cezimo Nigeria Limited, a company linked to an associate, by approving seven NSITF consultancy, training, and supply contracts worth N366,470,920.68.
The offence, the EFCC said, is punishable under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The second count accused Ngige of awarding eight contracts worth N583,682,686 to Zitacom Nigeria Limited, a company linked to an associate. According to the EFCC, the contracts covered supply, training, and consultancy services.
The third count involves eight NSITF contracts valued at N362,043,163.16 awarded to Jeff & Xris Limited, whose owner, Nwosu Chukwunwike, is identified as an associate of Ngige.
In the fourth count, the EFCC alleged that Ngige influenced four contracts worth N668,138,141 in favour of Olde English Consolidated Limited, linked to associate Uzoma Igbonwa.
The fifth count relates to four contracts worth N161,604,625 awarded to Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, whose owner, also Uzoma Igbonwa, is an associate of the former minister.
Alleged acceptance of monetary gifts
Counts six to eight allege that Ngige corruptly received money from NSITF contractors between May and June 2022:
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N38,650,000 through his campaign organisation from Cezimo Nigeria Limited
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N55,003,000 through his scholarship scheme from Zitacom Nigeria Limited
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N26,130,000 from Jeff & Xris Limited
The EFCC said the offences violate Sections 17(a) and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Next steps
Ngige is expected to take his plea when the case is called today.
The EFCC has been intensifying efforts to hold public officials accountable for corruption, signalling continued enforcement of anti-graft laws against high-profile figures.
Babatunde Akinsola ✔
Godwin Okafor is the Publisher & CEO of Naija247news Media Group LLC, an independent investigative news platform delivering accurate, data-driven reporting on Nigerian and global politics, economy, finance, and business. Founded in October 2010, Naija247news specializes in developmental journalism, providing timely insights and analysis to readers across Nigeria and the diaspora.
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