Alleged N2.2bn fraud: EFCC arraigns ex-labour minister Ngige today
EFCC Set to Arraign Former Labour Minister Chris Ngige Over Alleged N2.26bn Fraud
Former Minister of Labour and Employment and ex-Anambra State governor, Chris Ngige, is set to be arraigned today (Friday) by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over corruption allegations totalling N2,261,722,535.84. The case will be heard at the Gwarinpa Division of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, according to court officials who spoke with www.cjsoftflix.com.
Ngige is facing an eight-count charge bordering on abuse of office, unlawful contract approvals, and acceptance of financial gifts from contractors linked to the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) during his tenure as supervising minister between September 2015 and May 2023.
Breakdown of the Allegations
According to court filings, the EFCC alleges that the former minister used his office to improperly favour companies owned by close associates. The commission listed multiple contract transactions said to violate Sections 19 and 17(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
- Cezimo Nigeria Limited: Awarded seven consultancy, training and supply contracts worth N366,470,920.68. The EFCC says the company is linked to an associate of Ngige.
- Zitacom Nigeria Limited: Received eight NSITF contracts totalling N583,682,686. The alleged connection between its MD/CEO, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, and Ngige forms part of the charges.
- Jeff & Xris Limited: Awarded contracts valued at N362,043,163.16, allegedly due to Ngige's influence.
- Olde English Consolidated Limited: Benefited from four consultancy and construction contracts worth N668,138,141.
- Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited: Received four contracts totalling N161,604,625, allegedly linked to another associate, Uzoma Igbonwa.
Alleged Illegal Monetary Gifts
Counts six through eight of the charges accuse Ngige of receiving financial gifts from contractors between May and June 2022. According to the EFCC, the payments include:
- N38,650,000 from Cezimo Nigeria Limited, allegedly channelled through his campaign organisation.
- N55,003,000 from Zitacom Nigeria Limited, allegedly routed through his scholarship scheme.
- N26,130,000 from Jeff & Xris Limited.
The EFCC asserts that these financial gifts breach Section 17(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, which prohibits public officers from accepting benefits from contractors connected to their official functions.
Ngige to Take His Plea Today
The former minister is expected to take his plea today as the charges are formally read before the court. The arraignment marks a significant development in one of the EFCC’s high-profile investigations within the labour and social welfare sector.
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