Ex-Labour Minister Chris Ngige Arraigned by EFCC Over Alleged Contract Fraud

Chris Ngige, former Minister of Labour and Productivity and ex-governor of Anambra State, appeared in a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarimpa on Friday to face charges of contract fraud and gratification.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned Ngige on eight counts, alleging that he abused his official position by awarding multiple contracts to associates and companies linked to him. The charges, dated October 31, claim that Ngige conferred undue advantage on these entities.

Upon arraignment, Ngige pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Ngige served as governor of Anambra from 2003 to 2006 before holding the ministerial position from 2015 to 2023. The former minister’s media aide, Fred Chukwuelobe, confirmed on December 11 that Ngige was in EFCC custody, addressing circulating rumours that he had been abducted.

The case has drawn widespread attention, with stakeholders closely monitoring proceedings for implications on political accountability and anti-corruption enforcement in Nigeria.