The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has brought former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, before Justice Mariam Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarinpa.
He is facing an eight-count charge.
Ngige, who previously served as governor of Anambra State, arrived at the court around 8:10 a.m. in the company of EFCC officials.
In the charge marked FCT/HC/CR/726/2025, he is named as the sole defendant.
The charge sheet, dated October 31 and filed on December 9 by a legal team led by Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), alleges that Ngige committed the offences during his tenure as Minister of Labour under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
Count one states that between September 2015 and May 2023, while overseeing the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), he used his position to grant undue advantage to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, whose MD/CEO and alter ego, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, is described as his associate.
He is accused of approving seven NSITF consultancy, training, and supply contracts for the company worth ₦366,470,920.68 (Three Hundred and Sixty Six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy Thousand, Nine Hundred and Twenty Naira and Sixty Eight Kobo).
Count two alleges that he again abused his position as supervising Minister of NSITF by favouring Zitacom Nigeria Limited, whose MD/CEO and alter ego, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, is also said to be his associate.
He is accused of awarding eight NSITF supply, training, and consultancy contracts to this company valued at ₦583,682,686.00 (Five Hundred and Eighty Three Million, Six Hundred and Eighty Two Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighty Six Naira).
Count three claims that he used his office to benefit Jeff & Xris Limited, linked to MD/CEO and alter ego, Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike, by approving eight consultancy, training, and supply contracts worth ₦362,043,163.16 (Three Hundred and Sixty Two Million, Forty Three Thousand, One Hundred and Sixty Three Naira and Sixteen Kobo).
Count four alleges that he extended similar advantage to Olde English Consolidated Limited, associated with MD/CEO and alter ego, Uzoma Igbonwa.
He is accused of approving four NSITF consultancy, training, and construction contracts for the company totalling ₦668,138,141.00 (Six Hundred and Sixty Eight Million, One Hundred and Thirty Eight Thousand, One Hundred and Forty One Naira).
Count five states that he also favoured Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, linked to Uzoma Igbonwa, by awarding four NSITF consultancy, training, and supply contracts valued at ₦161,604,625.00 (One Hundred and Sixty One Million, Six Hundred and Four Thousand, Six Hundred and Twenty Five Naira).
These alleged offences fall under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Count six alleges that he corruptly received ₦38,650,000 (Thirty Eight Million, Six Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira) through his “organisation called Senator (Dr) Chris Nwabueze Ngige Campaign Organisation,” from Cezimo Nigeria Limited (Zenith Bank Account Number 1011901119), an NSITF contractor, while carrying out his official duties as Minister of Labour and Employment.
Count seven accuses him of corruptly accepting ₦55,003,000 (Fifty Five Million, Three Thousand Naira) through his “organisation called ‘Senator (Dr) Chris Ngige Scholarship Scheme’” from Zitacom Nigeria Limited (Zenith Bank Account Number 1017263219), another NSITF contractor, during his time in office.
Count eight alleges that he received ₦26,130,000 (Twenty Six Million, One Hundred and Thirty Thousand Naira) through the “Senator (Dr) Chris Ngige Scholarship Scheme,” from Jeff & Xris Limited (Zenith Bank Account Number 1011533930), also an NSITF contractor, while performing his official duties.
These offences are said to violate Section 17(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000, and are punishable under Section 179(c) of the same Act.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
