Breaking: Buhari's Ex-Minister Ngige Remanded in Kuje Prison, Details Emerge
- A Federal Capital Territory High Court ordered the remand of ex-minister Chris Ngige in Kuje Prison after his arraignment on corruption charges
- The EFCC alleged that Ngige awarded contracts to associates and received financial gifts from NSITF contractors during his tenure
- Justice Mariam Hassan adjourned the bail hearing to 15 December after prosecutors opposed a health-based bail request
A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Gwarinpa has ordered the remand of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, at the Kuje Correctional Centre following his arraignment on multiple corruption charges.
Justice Mariam Hassan gave the order on Friday after the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned the former minister on an eight-count charge bordering on abuse of office, contract fraud and unlawful acceptance of monetary gifts.
Source: Facebook
Ngige, who served as minister between 2015 and 2023 under former President Muhammadu Buhari, pleaded not guilty to all counts, Nation reported.
“He will remain in Kuje Correctional Centre until Monday when his bail application will be heard,” a court official confirmed.
Allegations of contract manipulation
According to the charge sheet marked FCT/HC/CR/726/2025, the EFCC accused Ngige of using his office to confer unfair advantages on several companies linked to his associates while supervising the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
One of the counts alleges that Ngige influenced the award of seven consultancy and supply contracts valued at N366,470,920.68 to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, a firm allegedly associated with Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles.
The Commission further alleged that Ngige received financial gifts from NSITF contractors through organisations affiliated with him during his tenure, Vanguard reported.
An EFCC official, who spoke briefly outside the courtroom, said:
“This case reflects our commitment to tackling corruption at the highest levels. The evidence will be fully presented in court.”
Health grounds bail request stalls
Proceedings took a new twist when Ngige’s counsel, Patrick Ikweato (SAN), urged the court to grant temporary bail on health grounds pending the full hearing of the application.
“Our client has critical medical concerns that require consistent attention,” Ikweato told the court.
However, EFCC counsel Sylvanus Tahir (SAN) opposed the request, insisting the former minister was a flight risk.
“The prosecution only received the bail application moments before the court sat. We need time to respond formally," Tahir argued.
Justice Hassan subsequently adjourned the matter to Monday, 15 December, for hearing of the bail application.
Security heightened around court premises
Security was noticeably increased around the court complex due to the high-profile nature of the case, with armed operatives stationed at key entry points.
Source: Twitter
A legal analyst who observed the trial, while speaking with Legit.ng on Sunday, December 15, said the case could become one of the most consequential corruption prosecutions linked to the Buhari administration.
“This remand order signals that the court is taking the allegations seriously. All eyes will be on Monday’s proceedings," he noted
With Ngige now in Kuje Prison awaiting the next hearing, the EFCC is expected to begin presenting documentary evidence of alleged contract diversion and unlawful enrichment.
The case continues on Monday.
EFCC declares former Buhari's minister wanted
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has declared Timipre Sylva a former Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, and former Governor of Bayelsa State, wanted.
The EFCC said Sylva is wanted over an alleged case of conspiracy and dishonest conversion of $14,859,257. According to the EFCC, the money is "part of funds injected by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) into Atlantic International Refinery and Petrochemical Limited for the construction of a Refinery".
Source: Legit.ng
