Alleged N2.2bn fraud: EFCC arraigns ex-labour minister Ngige today
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, today (Friday) over allegations of fraud amounting to N2,261,722,535.84.
Officials of the court confirmed that the hearing will take place at the Gwarinpa Division of the Federal Capital Territory High Court.
According to the case files seen by our correspondent, Ngige will face eight charges, which include alleged abuse of office and receiving improper benefits from contractors working with the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) during his tenure as supervising minister from September 2015 to May 2023.
In the first charge, the EFCC claims that Ngige used his position to give Cezimo Nigeria Limited; a company tied to an associate; preferential approval for seven NSITF consultancy, supply and training contracts worth N366,470,920.68. The agency says the alleged offence violates Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
The second charge accuses him of awarding eight separate NSITF contracts worth N583,682,686 to Zitacom Nigeria Limited, another firm linked to an associate. Court documents allege he used his office to grant the company an undue advantage.
The EFCC also alleges that Jeff & Xris Limited, headed by another associate of Ngige, received eight NSITF contracts valued at N362,043,163.16.
In the fourth allegation, the commission says Ngige facilitated four contracts totalling N668,138,141 for Olde English Consolidated Limited, a company whose chief executive is identified as his associate.
The fifth charge centres on four additional contracts worth N161,604,625 allegedly awarded to Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, also linked to one of his associates.
Charges six to eight accuse the former minister of accepting financial contributions from NSITF contractors between May and June 2022.
The EFCC alleges that:
N38,650,000 was paid to his campaign organisation by Cezimo Nigeria Limited,
N55,003,000 was sent to his scholarship programme by Zitacom Nigeria Limited, and
N26,130,000 came from Jeff & Xris Limited.
The EFCC says the alleged actions breach Sections 17(a) and 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act.
Ngige is expected to enter his plea when the matter is called in court today.
