EFCC Arraigns Chris Ngige Over Alleged Contract Fraud, Ex-Minister Pleads Not Guilty

Former Labour Minister Chris Ngige was arraigned on Friday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged contract fraud.

Ngige, who also served as governor of Anambra State, faced an eight-count charge before a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarimpa. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

The EFCC’s charge, dated October 31, claims that Ngige used his positions in government to grant undue advantages by awarding multiple contracts to associates and companies linked to him.

Ngige was governor of Anambra State from 2003 to 2006 and held the position of Minister of Labour and Productivity from 2015 to 2023.

On December 11, his media aide, Fred Chukwuelobe, confirmed that Ngige remained in EFCC custody, dispelling rumours that the ex-governor had been kidnapped.