Chris Ngige fraud case sees former minister remanded in Kuje over alleged N2.26bn contract kickbacks while in office

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, on Friday over alleged fraud totalling N2,261,722,535.84.

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A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, sitting at Gwarinpa, remanded Ngige in Kuje prison after he pleaded not guilty to an eight-count charge filed by the EFCC

Justice Maryam Hassan ordered that he remain in detention until Monday, when his bail application will be heard.

Ngige, who served as Minister from November 2015 to May 2023, is accused of contract fraud and abuse of office involving kickbacks from firms awarded contracts by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).

According to the EFCC, Ngige allegedly awarded contracts to companies linked to associates in excess of N2 billion.

The first four counts allege that Ngige conferred unfair advantages on Cezimo Nigeria Limited, Zitacom Nigeria Limited, Jeff & Xris Limited, and Olde English Consolidated Limited, awarding contracts ranging from N362 million to N668 million for consultancy, training, supply, and construction projects.

Counts five to eight accuse him of corruptly receiving monetary gifts from NSITF contractors between May and June 2022, including N38.65 million from Cezimo Nigeria Limited, N55 million from Zitacom Nigeria Limited, and N26.13 million from Jeff & Xris Limited.

The offences, according to EFCC filings, violate Sections 17(a) and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Ngige was reportedly arrested at his Abuja residence by about 20 EFCC officers in a “commando-style raid”, with family members noting he was taken away still wearing pyjamas.

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Senior Advocate of Nigeria Sylvanus Tahir, leading a team of EFCC lawyers, filed the charge sheet on 31 October 2025. The former minister is expected to appear in court again on Monday for the hearing of his bail application.