Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has filed an eight-count charge against former labour minister Chris Ngige, accusing him of awarding contracts to associates and companies linked to him while in office.

Ngige is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday, 11 December, before a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarinpa.

In the charge, dated 31 October, the EFCC alleges that between September 2015 and May 2023 — during which Ngige also served as supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund — he approved multiple consultancy, training and supply contracts for companies connected to close associates.

The commission said seven contracts valued at ₦366,470,920.68 were awarded to Cezimo Nigeria Ltd., whose managing director, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, is described as an associate of Ngige. The alleged offence violates section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

The charge sheet also lists other companies said to have benefited from approvals issued under the former minister:

Zitacom Nigeria Ltd., also managed by Ezebinwa, allegedly received eight contracts worth ₦583,682,686.

Jeff & Xris Ltd., owned by Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike, allegedly secured eight contracts totalling ₦362,043,163.16.

Olde English Consolidated Ltd., led by Uzoma Igbonwa, is listed as receiving four contracts for consultancy, training and construction valued at ₦668,138,141.

Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Ltd., also linked to Igbonwa, allegedly received four further contracts worth ₦161,604,625.

Earlier on Thursday, Ngige’s media aide, Fred Chukwuelobe, denied rumours that the former minister had been kidnapped, confirming instead that he was in EFCC custody.

______________________________________________________________________ [A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
“Evidence Act: Complete Annotation” by renowned legal experts Sanni & Etti.
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation ______________________________________________________________________ ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE FOR LAWYERS: A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE Reimagine your practice with the power of AI “...this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic.” — Ohio Books Ltd Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe, Esq., ACIArb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director, Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria. Bonus: Get a FREE eBook titled “How to Use the AI in Legalpedia and Law Pavilion” with every purchase.

How to Order: 📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878 📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com 🌐 Website: www.benadigwe.com

Ebook Version: Access directly online at: https://selar.com/prv626

________________________________________________________________________ The Law And Practice Of Redundancy In Nigeria: A Practitioner’s Guide, Authored By A Labour & Employment Law Expert Bimbo Atilola _______________________________________________________________________ "You Don't Need To Be Rich, You Just Need To Start" — Victoria Ezeigwe, Esq Launches Investment Handbook For Nigerians Starting With ₦5,000
By Victoria-Ezeigwe-Esq

Get your copy today and take the first step toward financial growth:👉 https://selar.co/4f16676016

_______________________________________________________________________