Economic and Financial Crimes Commission don arrange everything finish to carry former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, go court today, Friday, for alleged fraud wey reach N2.261bn.
Court officials confirm say the arraignment go happen for the Gwarinpa Division of the FCT High Court.
According to documents wey dey available to us from relevant sources, Ngige go answer eight different charges. The allegations mainly concern abuse of office and receiving gifts from contractors while he dey control matters as supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) between 2015 and 2023.
Contracts Wey EFCC Say No Pure
For the first allegation, EFCC talk say Ngige use his position take favour Cezimo Nigeria Limited, a company wey dem claim get connection with one of his associates.
The issue na say seven consultancy and supply contracts wey NSITF award, amounting to N366.4m, fall into the company hand during him time.
EFCC yarn say this kain action break Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
For the second one, dem accuse am of approving eight more contracts wey reach N583.6m for another firm, Zitacom Nigeria Limited, wey also get link to person wey close to am.
More Companies, More Wahala
No be only those two companies EFCC mention.
The commission also talk say Jeff & Xris Limited, another company linked to Ngige associate, collect eight contracts worth N362m.
Dem still add say Ngige influence four contracts for Olde English Consolidated Limited, total amount N668.1m, and four more for Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, valued at N161.6m.
NSITF, according to EFCC, na where all these contract movements pass through during the ministry’s supervision.
Alleged Monetary Gifts
Apart from contract allocations, counts six to eight talk say the former minister collect money from some of the same contractors.
Between May and June 2022, EFCC allege say:
- Cezimo Nigeria Limited send N38.6m to Ngige campaign organisation.
- Zitacom Nigeria Limited contribute N55m to his scholarship scheme.
- Jeff & Xris Limited send N26.1m directly.
The anti-graft agency say these actions break Sections 17(a) and 19 of the anti-corruption Act.
Ngige Go Face Court Today
Ngige go appear before the judge today to take his plea as the matter start officially.
The allegations wey dey ground heavy, and the case fit stretch because of the number of companies and contract documents wey EFCC say dem gather.
We go continue to dey follow the matter as e unfold for court.
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