Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, on Friday appeared before a Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Gwarinpa, Abuja, following his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged financial impropriety running into N2.2 billion.
Ngige, a former Governor of Anambra State, pleaded not guilty to an eight-count charge bordering on abuse of office, contract inflation, and alleged diversion of public funds linked to the operations of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) during his tenure as supervising minister.
Following his plea, the prosecution urged the court to remand the defendant pending the determination of his bail application.
The trial judge consequently ordered that Ngige be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, while adjourning the matter for ruling on bail.
Legal Arguments in Court
The former minister was represented by Mr. Patrick Ikwueto, SAN, who moved a bail application on his client’s behalf.
Counsel submitted that the offences charged were bailable and non-capital in nature, arguing that Ngige posed no flight risk and had voluntarily submitted himself to the judicial process.
He further urged the court to exercise its discretion in favour of bail, citing health considerations and the defendant’s status as a senior public figure.
Opposing the application, Mr. Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, who appeared for the EFCC, contended that the allegations against the defendant were serious and involved substantial public funds.
The prosecution further argued that Ngige had previously breached administrative bail conditions, insisting that continued remand was necessary to ensure his availability for trial.
After hearing arguments from both sides, the court adjourned the matter to a later date for ruling on the bail application, while ordering the defendant’s continued detention.
The case adds to a growing list of high-profile corruption trials being prosecuted by the EFCC involving former public office holders.
