The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, before Justice Mariam Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarinpa over his alleged involvement in a ₦2.2 billion corruption case.
Ngige is facing an eight-count charge. He arrived at the court around 8:10 a.m., escorted by EFCC operatives.
The charges, filed on December 9 and dated October 31, are contained in suit number FCT/HC/CR/726/2025, with Ngige listed as the sole defendant. The prosecution team is led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Sylvanus Tahir.
According to the EFCC, the alleged offences were committed during Ngige’s time as Minister of Labour under former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The first count alleges that between September 2015 and May 2023, while serving as the supervising Minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), he used his position to grant improper benefits to Cezimo Nigeria Limited — a firm linked to Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, described as his associate. The commission claims he awarded seven NSITF contracts for consultancy, training, and supply to the company, totalling ₦366,470,920.68.
The second count makes a similar allegation, accusing Ngige of extending improper favour to Zitacom Nigeria Limited, another company said to be connected to Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, during his oversight of the NSITF.
Further details on the remaining charges are expected as the case progresses.
