Chris Ngige remanded in Kuje prison till Dec 15

A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Gwarimpa, Abuja, on Friday rejected an oral bail application filed by former Minister of Labour, Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige, and ordered his remand at Kuje Prison until December 15

Ngige’s formal bail application, prepared by Senior Advocate of Nigeria Patrick Ikwueto, could not be argued because it was not yet ripe for hearing. The ex-Anambra governor was arraigned the same day by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an eight-count charge of corrupt practices, to which he pleaded not guilty.

During proceedings, Ikwueto attempted to argue the written bail application, but EFCC counsel Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, opposed it, saying he had just received the application and needed time to respond. Justice Maryam Aliyu Hassan also turned down an oral application for bail, instructing that the formal application be argued on Monday, December 15, while ordering Ngige’s continued remand at Kuje Prison.

The charges, filed under case number FCT/HC/CR/726/2025, allege that Ngige committed the offences while serving as Minister of Labour from September 2015 to May 2023.

• Count 1: Ngige allegedly used his position to grant undue advantage to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, awarding seven contracts worth ₦366,470,920.68.
• Count 2: He allegedly favoured Zitacom Nigeria Limited, awarding eight contracts valued at ₦583,682,686.00.
• Count 3: Ngige is accused of awarding eight contracts worth ₦362,043,163.16 to Jeff & Xris Limited.
• Count 4: He allegedly conferred advantage on Olde English Consolidated Limited, granting four contracts totaling ₦668,138,141.00.
• Count 5: He is accused of giving four contracts to Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited worth ₦161,604,625.00.

The offences are said to violate Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

• Count 6: Ngige allegedly accepted a bribe of ₦38,650,000 from Cezimo Nigeria Limited via his campaign organisation.
• Count 7: He allegedly accepted ₦55,003,000 from Zitacom Nigeria Limited through his scholarship scheme.
• Count 8: He allegedly received ₦26,130,000 from Jeff & Xris Limited via the same scholarship scheme.

Counts 6–8 are alleged to contravene Sections 17(a) and 17(c) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Ngige remains in EFCC custody pending the hearing of his formal bail application on December 15.

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