The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, on an eight-count charge of alleged contract fraud before a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Gwarimpa, Abuja. Ngige, who served as Anambra State governor from 2003 to 2006 and Labour Minister from 2015 to 2023, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The EFCC accused Ngige of using his position to award multiple contracts to associates and companies linked to him, allegedly conferring undue advantage. Reports indicate that about 20 EFCC operatives from the Wuse II Zonal office forcibly removed Ngige from his Asokoro residence in what a family member described as a “commando-style raid,” during which he was not allowed to change out of his pyjamas.
Ngige had previously been on administrative bail and was cooperating with the EFCC, complying with all requests, including returning his travel documents. He had planned a medical trip to the United States but aborted it after losing his passport while transiting through the United Kingdom, later obtaining temporary travel documents to return to Abuja.
Meanwhile, in a related development, the Federal High Court in Abuja dismissed a no-case submission by former Minister of Power, Saleh Mamman, in a N33.8 billion fraud case. Justice James Omotosho ruled that Mamman must enter a defence, noting that a prima facie case has been established. Mamman, who served as Minister of Power from 2019 to 2021, faces a 12-count amended charge over alleged conversion of funds for the Zungeru and Mambilla hydropower projects and has pleaded not guilty.
Both cases highlight ongoing EFCC efforts to hold former public officials accountable for alleged financial malfeasance.
