Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, has been ordered remanded in the Kuje Correctional Centre following his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of a ₦2.2 billion contract fraud.

Ngige was arraigned on Friday before Justice Maryam Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarinpa, Abuja, where he pleaded not guilty to eight counts bordering on abuse of office and acceptance of gifts from contractors linked to the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) during his tenure as supervising minister between 2015 and 2023.

Charges Against Ngige

The EFCC accused the former minister of using his position to award multiple contracts to companies reportedly connected to personal associates. The contracts, running into billions of naira, covered consultancy, supplies, training, and construction projects executed under the NSITF.

Ngige is also alleged to have accepted various gifts and benefits from some of the contractors while still in office, actions the anti-graft agency says violate public service rules and provisions of the law.

Courtroom Arguments

After Ngige entered his plea, the EFCC counsel applied for a trial date and asked the court to remand the former minister in prison custody pending the commencement of the trial.

The defence counsel, however, opposed the request, arguing that Ngige should be granted bail, particularly on health grounds. The defence noted that Ngige had already been in EFCC custody for three days prior to his arraignment and required medical attention.

The defence further argued that the charges against the former minister were not of a nature that should warrant his denial of bail, stating that the allegations did not involve terrorism or treason.

The prosecution disagreed, insisting that the charges were serious and should not be trivialised. They also informed the court that Ngige failed to return his international passport after being permitted to travel for medical treatment in October, raising concerns about flight risk.

Court’s Decision

After listening to both parties, Justice Hassan adjourned the bail hearing to Monday, December 14, 2025, and ordered that Ngige be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre until the court determines his bail application.

The case will resume next week for further proceedings, as the EFCC prepares to open its case against the former minister.