Blessing Adebayo
A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Gwarinpa on Friday ordered the remand of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Ngige, at the Kuje Correctional Centre following his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on allegations of corruption, contract fraud and abuse of office.
Ngige was brought before Justice Mariam Hassan on an eight-count charge linked to alleged irregular contract awards and the receipt of unlawful benefits said to have taken place during his tenure as minister and supervising authority over the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
After listening to submissions from both parties, the court directed that the former minister be kept in custody pending the determination of his bail application, which is expected to be heard on Monday. His legal team argued that he should be granted bail on health grounds, stating that he is not a flight risk, while the prosecution opposed the request and urged the court to allow the case to proceed without hindrance.
Ngige served as Minister of Labour and Employment from 2015 to 2023 and was previously governor of Anambra State.
