Former Anambra State Governor and ex-Minister of Labour, Chris Ngige in court
Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, has been remanded in the Kuje Correctional Centre following his arraignment on corruption allegations. The order was handed down by Justice Mariam Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
Ngige will remain in custody until Monday, December 15, when the court will hear his bail application. The ex-minister faces serious allegations of using his former office between 2015 and 2023 to confer unfair advantages on associates in the award of multiple contracts.
According to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ngige allegedly facilitated the award of seven contracts worth a total of ₦366,470,920.68 to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, a company linked to his associate, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles. He is also accused of accepting gifts worth millions of naira through his organizations during his tenure.
Ngige pleaded not guilty to all eight counts against him. His lead counsel, Patrick Ikweato (SAN), urged the court to grant bail on health grounds. However, EFCC’s lawyer, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), opposed the request, citing the former minister as a potential flight risk and promising to formally respond to the bail application.
Justice Hassan adjourned proceedings to Monday for the formal hearing of the bail request.
The case, marked FCT/HC/CR/726/2025, continues to attract attention, highlighting ongoing concerns over accountability in public office.
