The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned Chris Ngige, former Minister of Labour and Productivity, on allegations of contract fraud.
The former Anambra State governor was brought before a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Gwarimpa on Friday to face an eight-count charge.
“The defendant pleaded not guilty to all the charges,” according to court proceedings.
Charges Linked to Abuse of OfficeIn the charge dated October 31, the EFCC alleged that Ngige used his office to confer undue advantage by awarding multiple government contracts to his associates and companies connected to him.
Ngige served as governor of Anambra State from 2003 to 2006 and as Minister of Labour and Productivity from 2015 to 2023.
Background to the Arrest
On December 11, Ngige’s media aide, Fred Chukwuelobe, disclosed that the former governor was in EFCC custody following widespread rumours that he had been kidnapped.
“He is in EFCC custody,” Chukwuelobe clarified at the time, dispelling the kidnapping claims.