Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, was on Friday, ordered to be remanded in the Kuje Correctional Centre, despite pleading not guilty to an eight-count charge of alleged contract fraud and abuse of office.
The ruling by Justice Mariam Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court followed the arraignment of the former Minister by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on charges totaling over N2.2 billion.
The legal proceeding saw Ngige, a former Governor of Anambra State, formally charged with offenses stemming from his time as the supervising Minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
After the charges were read, Dr. Ngige pleaded not guilty to all eight counts, and his lead counsel moved for bail, arguing that he is a distinguished public servant who is not a flight risk and requires urgent medical attention due to his health condition.
However, the EFCC prosecuting counsel, Mr. Sylvanus Tahir, opposed the motion, urging the court to send a strong anti-corruption signal and ensure the defendant does not compromise the ongoing investigation.
Justice Hassan sided with the prosecution on the remand, ordering that Dr. Ngige be held in prison custody.
The judge adjourned the hearing on the bail application to Monday, December 15, 2025, giving the defence time to perfect their legal arguments.
The charges against Dr. Ngige are centered on allegations of corrupt enrichment and violation of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
