The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has filed an eight-count charge against a former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, over alleged abuse of office and contract irregularities.
According to the charge, Ngige, a former governor of Anambra State, is expected to be arraigned on Friday at the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court sitting in Gwarimpa, Abuja.
The charge, dated October 31, was filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Sylvanus Tahir, alongside five other lawyers on behalf of the anti-graft agency.
The EFCC alleged that Ngige abused his position as supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, between September 2015 and May 2023, to confer undue advantage on his associates and companies allegedly linked to him through the award of multiple contracts.
In Count One, the commission alleged that Ngige used his office to favour Cezimo Nigeria Limited by awarding the company seven different consultancy, training and supply contracts valued at N366,470,920.68. The company’s Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, was described as his associate.
The EFCC said the action contravened Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Other companies listed in the charge include Zitacom Nigeria Limited, also linked to Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, which allegedly received eight NSITF contracts for supply, training and consultancy valued at N583,682,686.00.
Jeff & Xris Limited, whose MD/CEO is Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike, was also accused of benefiting from eight contracts amounting to N362,043,163.16.
The charge further listed Olde English Consolidated Limited, allegedly awarded four consultancy, training and construction contracts worth N668,138,141.00, and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, which reportedly received four contracts valued at N161,604,625.00. Both companies were said to be linked to Uzoma Igbonwa.
InfoStride News recalls that Ngige was arrested in Abuja on Wednesday night and has remained in the custody of the EFCC since then, pending his arraignment.
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