Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, has been remanded in Kuje prison following his arraignment before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Justice Maryam Hassan ordered his remand on Thursday over alleged involvement in contract fraud amounting to more than N2.2 billion.
The order followed Ngige’s plea of not guilty to an eight-count charge filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The court directed that he remains in custody until Monday, when his bail application will be heard.
Ngige, who served as Minister under the administration of the late President Muhammadu Buhari from November 11, 2015, to May 29, 2023, is accused of abuse of office and receiving kickbacks from companies awarded contracts by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
