News

Ex-Minister Ngige Remanded in Kuje Over N2.26bn Contract Fraud

ByTitilope Adako

PublishedDecember 12, 2025

Former Labour and Productivity Minister, Chris Ngige, has been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre by Justice Maryam Hassan of the FCT High Court, Gwarimpa, Abuja, pending the hearing of his bail application on Monday, December 14.

Ngige pleaded not guilty to eight charges, including abuse of office and receiving gifts from contractors of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) while serving as its supervising minister between September 2015 and May 2023.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleges that Ngige used his position to confer undue advantage on associates through the award of multiple contracts totalling ₦2,261,722,535.84. The charges, dated October 31 and filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Sylvanus Tahir and five other lawyers on behalf of the EFCC, detail alleged abuse of office and improper contract awards.

In the first count, Ngige is accused of granting seven contracts worth ₦366,470,920.68 to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, allegedly linked to his associate, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, in violation of Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Other companies named include Zitacom Nigeria Limited, also linked to Charles, which allegedly received eight contracts worth ₦583,682,686.00; Jeff & Xris Limited, linked to Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike, allegedly awarded eight contracts totalling ₦362,043,163.16; Olde English Consolidated Limited, led by Uzoma Igbonwa, accused of receiving four contracts worth ₦668,138,141.00; and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, another firm linked to Igbonwa, allegedly awarded four contracts worth ₦161,604,625.00.

The court is set to hear Ngige’s bail application on Monday, December 14.

Titilope Adako

Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.