BY GODWIN OBI
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) will today (Friday) arraign former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, over alleged fraud involving 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 filings obtained by Frontline Reporters, Ngige faces eight counts bordering on abuse of office and unlawful acceptance of monetary gifts from contractors of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) during his tenure as supervising minister between September 2015 and May 2023.
In the first count, the EFCC alleges that Ngige approved seven consultancy, training, and supply contracts worth N366,470,920.68 for Cezimo Nigeria Limited, a company linked to an associate. The EFCC says the act violates Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The second count accuses Ngige of awarding eight contracts totalling N583,682,686 to Zitacom Nigeria Limited, also allegedly connected to one of his associates.
Similarly, the commission alleges that another set of eight NSITF contracts worth N362,043,163.16 went to Jeff & Xris Limited, while four contracts valued at N668,138,141 were awarded to Olde English Consolidated Limited, both companies described as linked to individuals close to the former minister.
In another count, Ngige is accused of influencing four contracts worth N161,604,625 in favour of Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited.
Counts six to eight centre on alleged financial benefits he received from NSITF contractors in May and June 2022. The EFCC claims he received:
- N38,650,000 from Cezimo Nigeria Limited through his campaign organisation
- N55,003,000 from Zitacom Nigeria Limited through his scholarship scheme
- N26,130,000 from Jeff & Xris Limited
The EFCC states that these acts violate Sections 17(a) and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Ngige is expected to take his plea when the case is called today.
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2025-12-12
