Former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, on Friday pleaded not guilty to an eight-count charge filed against him.
Ngige was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice Mariam Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Gwarinpa.
He is accused of awarding eight contracts—covering supply, training, and consultancy—to a particular company through the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), allegedly amounting to ₦583,682,686 (Five Hundred and Eighty-Three Million, Six Hundred and Eighty-Two Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighty-Six Naira).
During proceedings, EFCC counsel Sylvanus Tahir urged the court to fix a date for the commencement of trial. He also requested that the defendant be remanded in EFCC custody pending that date.
Counsel to the former minister opposed the request, noting that Ngige had already been in EFCC detention for three days. He argued that his client is a well-known public figure who served as a minister until about a year and three months ago, and therefore poses no flight risk.
He added that Ngige is not in good health and requires medical attention, stressing that the defence is prepared to meet any bail conditions set by the court. The defence further urged Justice Hassan to take Ngige’s public service and status into consideration.
