Ngige lands in Kuje prison for alleged receipt of kickbacks

Former Minister for Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige is now cooling off at Kuje prison for alleged receipt of compensations from companies he awarded contracts to as a minister.

Recall that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had 'abducted' the former governor from his home in a manner that raises the eyebrows of many people. The commission refused to divulge any information about Ngige until he was arraigned in court on Friday.

Justice Maryam Hassan of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, sitting at Gwarinpa, remanded the former Governor of Anambra State in Kuje prison.

Justice Hassan issued the remand order after Ngige pleaded not guilty to an eight-count charge that the EFCC preferred against him.

The court held that he should remain in detention till Monday, when his bail application will be heard.

Ngige, who was in office as a minister from November 11, 2015, to May 29, 2023, is facing trial over his alleged complicity in contract fraud totalling over N2.2 billion.

Part of the charge against him bordered on abuse of office, as well as the allegation that he accepted kickbacks from firms that were awarded contracts by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF.

The EFCC accused Ngige of awarding seven contracts worth over N366 million “for consultancy, training and supply by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF)” to a company, Cezimo Nigeria Limited, belonging to his associate, Ezebinwa Charles.

EFCC alleged that Ngige awarded eight contracts worth over N583 million to another company belonging to Mr Charles.

The EFCC also alleged that the defendant used his position to give preferential treatment, awarding eight contracts worth over N362 million to a company, Jeff & Xris Limited, belonging to Nwosu Chukwunwike.

Other companies he awarded contracts include Olde English Consolidated Limited and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, belonging to Uzoma Igbonwa to the sum of N668 million and N161million respectively.

According to the EFCC, these offences violate section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Also, the anti-graft agency accused Ngige of collecting gratifications from contractors of the NSITF through “his organization, called Senator (Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige Campaign Organization from Cezimo Nigeria Limited (Zenith Bank Account Number 1011901119).”

The EFCC further alleged that Ngige collected N38.6 million from Cezimo Nigeria Limited, N55 million from Zitacom Nigeria Limited and N26 million from Jeff & Xris Limited.

This according to EFCC contravened section 17(a) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000 and is punishable under section 17(c) of the same Act.

He however pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The EFCC’s counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, SAN applied for a trial date and urged the court to remand Ngige at Kuje Custodial Centre.

However, counsel to Ngige, Patrick Ikwueto, SAN, noted that they were only informed of the arraignment yesterday and could not file for his bail application.

Ikwueto urged the court to give Ngige a conditional bail on health grounds.

He also attempted to move for an oral bail application for the defendant on self-recognition.

Tahir noted that the court could not be presented with both a written and oral application.

He also noted that Ngige is yet to submit his international passport, which was part of his previous bail conditions.

Ikweto, however, noted that Ngige’s international passport was stolen, and the EFCC has been informed through a letter.

Tahir denied knowledge about the report.

Following their submissions, Justice, Maryam Hassan, ordered his remand at the Kuje Correctional Centre.

Justice Hassan the adjourned until Monday for hearing and determination of his bail application.