FCT Court remands Former Minister Chris Ngige over corruption charges

Justice Mariam Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has ordered the remand of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

Ngige, who was arraigned on alleged corruption charges, will remain in custody until Monday, December 15, when his bail application is scheduled to be heard.

The ex-minister is accused of conferring undue advantage on associates in awarding multiple contracts during his tenure between 2015 and 2023, and of corruptly accepting gifts worth millions of naira through his organizations.

Ngige pleaded not guilty to all eight counts brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

His lead counsel, Patrick Ikweato, SAN, requested that the court admit him on health grounds pending the bail hearing, but the EFCC’s lawyer, Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, opposed the request, arguing that Ngige could be a flight risk.

In a short ruling, Justice Hassan adjourned the bail application hearing to Monday, December 15, 2025.

The charges, filed under FCT/HC/CR/726/2025, include allegations that Ngige, while serving as supervising Minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), awarded seven contracts worth N366,470,920.68 to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, whose MD is described as his associate, among other counts.