Court orders former Labour minister Ngige remanded in Kuje over corruption allegations
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Friday directed that former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, be held at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his bail application scheduled for Monday.
Justice Mariam Hassan, who presided over the matter, issued the order shortly after Ngige was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an eight-count charge bordering on corruption, abuse of office and acceptance of illicit benefits.
According to the charge sheet, the former minister is accused of using his influence between 2015 and 2023 during the administration of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari—to award multiple contracts to a company allegedly linked to one of his close associates.
Prosecutors claimed that Ngige, in his capacity as Minister of Labour and Employment and as the supervising authority over the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), approved seven separate consultancy, training and supply contracts valued at N366.47 million for Cezimo Nigeria Limited, whose chief executive is said to be personally connected to him.
The EFCC further alleged that Ngige received monetary gifts running into several millions of naira through organisations linked to him while still in office—benefits investigators said amount to corrupt enrichment.
Ngige, appearing in court for the first time since the allegations became public, entered a not-guilty plea to all charges.
His lead counsel, Patrick Ikweato (SAN), told the court that the defence had filed a bail application and appealed for his release on health grounds pending the formal hearing.
He argued that the former minister had consistently cooperated with investigators and posed no threat to the judicial process.
However, EFCC counsel Sylvanus Tahir (SAN) strongly opposed the request.
Tahir informed the court that the defence filed the bail application moments before the sitting began, leaving the prosecution insufficient time to prepare a response.
He also insisted that the EFCC considers Ngige a potential flight risk, adding that the agency would file a formal objection.
Justice Hassan, after listening to both sides, held that the court would not take arguments on a bail request that had not been properly served and replied to.
She adjourned proceedings to December 15, ordering that Ngige be remanded at Kuje prison until the next hearing date.
In the lead charge marked FCT/HC/CR/726/2025, prosecutors allege that Ngige abused his public office by granting “unfair advantage” to Cezimo Nigeria Ltd through the award of multiple contracts funded by the NSITF.
The EFCC contends that these actions were in violation of public service regulations and anti-corruption laws.
The case, one of the most high-profile corruption trials involving a former minister from the Buhari administration, has generated significant public interest.
Ngige served as minister for two consecutive terms and was a prominent figure in government labour negotiations during his tenure.
He will return to court on Monday as the battle over his temporary freedom begins.
