The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has formally arraigned former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, before Justice Mariam Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarinpa on allegations of corruption amounting to ₦2.2 billion. The case has drawn significant attention, given Ngige’s high-profile status as a former minister and ex-governor of Anambra State.
Ngige faces an eight-count charge in the ongoing trial. He arrived at the FCT High Court premises around 8:10 am, accompanied by operatives of the EFCC. His appearance marks the commencement of legal proceedings in a case that could have serious implications on his public and political career.
The charges, officially filed on December 9 but dated October 31, are contained in suit number FCT/HC/CR/726/2025, with Ngige listed as the sole defendant. The prosecution team handling the case is led by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Sylvanus Tahir, signaling the seriousness with which the EFCC is pursuing the allegations.
According to the EFCC, the alleged offences occurred during Ngige’s tenure as Minister of Labour under former President Muhammadu Buhari. The first count accuses him of using his ministerial office between September 2015 and May 2023, as the supervising Minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), to grant improper benefits to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, a company allegedly linked to Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, described as his associate. The commission claims that Ngige awarded seven NSITF contracts for consultancy, training, and supply to the company, totaling ₦366,470,920.68.
The second count alleges a similar act of favoritism, accusing Ngige of granting undue advantages to Zitacom Nigeria Limited, another company connected to Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, while overseeing the NSITF. Each count underscores claims of abuse of office, corruption, and improper financial conduct in violation of public trust.
The arraignment has been closely followed by the media and the public, with analysts noting that the case could set a precedent in holding former high-ranking officials accountable for alleged mismanagement of government funds. Legal experts have highlighted that Ngige’s defense will likely focus on contesting the EFCC’s claims of association between him and the beneficiary companies, as well as the legitimacy of the contracts awarded.
As the proceedings unfold, Nigerians are keenly observing how the judiciary will handle the high-profile corruption charges, given the increasing public demand for transparency and accountability in governance. The EFCC has reiterated its commitment to pursuing all alleged offenders, regardless of their position or influence, signaling a continued crackdown on corruption in the country.
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EFCC Arraigns Ngige On ₦2.2bn Corruption Allegations👀👀 pic.twitter.com/EC1qMkEINq
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) December 12, 2025