EFCC files eight-count charge against Chris Ngige

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed an eight-count charge against Chris Ngige, former minister of labour and productivity, over alleged contract fraud. He is expected to be arraigned on Friday, December 11, before an FCT high court in Gwarimpa, Abuja.

In the charge dated October 31, the EFCC alleged that Ngige used his office to confer undue advantage by approving multiple contracts for associates and companies linked to him.

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The commission said that between September 2015 and May 2023, while serving as supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), he awarded seven contracts for consultancy, training and supply to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, worth N366,470,920.68. The company’s managing director, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, is described as an associate of the former minister.

The alleged offence violates section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000. The charge sheet also lists other companies said to have benefited from contracts approved under Ngige.

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Zitacom Nigeria Limited, whose managing director and CEO is Ezebinwa, allegedly received eight contracts valued at N583,682,686. Jeff & Xris Limited, owned by Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike, reportedly secured eight contracts worth N362,043,163.16. Olde English Consolidated Limited, led by Uzoma Igbonwa, was listed as obtaining four contracts for consultancy, training and construction totalling N668,138,141.

Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, also linked to Igbonwa, allegedly received four additional contracts valued at N161,604,625.

Earlier on Thursday, Fred Chukwuelobe, media aide to Ngige, dismissed rumours that the former minister had been kidnapped, confirming instead that the ex-governor of Anambra state was in EFCC custody.