The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission is scheduled to arraign former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, today (Friday) over allegations of corruption involving a total sum of 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, Ngige faces eight counts relating to abuse of office and receiving gifts from contractors of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) during his tenure as supervising minister from September 2015 to May 2023.
In the first charge, the EFCC alleges that Ngige used his position to grant undue advantage to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, a company linked to an associate, by approving seven NSITF training, consultancy, and supply contracts worth N366,470,920.68—an offence under Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The second charge claims that he awarded eight contracts worth N583,682,686 to Zitacom Nigeria Limited, also reportedly tied to one of his associates.
Another accusation involves the award of eight contracts valued at N362,043,163.16 to Jeff & Xris Limited, whose owner is said to be connected to the former minister.
In the fourth count, Ngige allegedly facilitated contracts worth N668,138,141 in favour of Olde English Consolidated Limited, while the fifth count centres on four contracts worth N161,604,625 awarded to Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited.
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Counts six, seven, and eight accuse Ngige of receiving financial benefits from NSITF contractors between May and June 2022. The alleged payments include:
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
These acts reportedly violate sections 17(a) and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Ngige is expected to enter his plea when the case is called later today.
