A former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, was on Friday arraigned before an Abuja High Court in Gwarinpa by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over an alleged N2.2 billion contract fraud.
Justice Maryam Hassan ordered that Ngige be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his bail application, scheduled for Monday, December 14.
Ngige pleaded not guilty to eight counts relating to abuse of office and acceptance of gifts from contractors of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund while he served as supervising minister between September 2015 and May 2023.
EFCC counsel, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), prayed the court to remand Ngige and fix a trial date, while defence counsel, Patrick Ikwueto (SAN), opposed the application, seeking bail on health grounds.
The prosecution argued that the offences were serious and noted that Ngige failed to return his international passport after a medical trip in October.
The court adjourned the matter to December 14 for bail consideration.
