A High Court in Abuja on Friday sent former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, to the Kuje Correctional Centre after he was arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for allegedly involvement in a N2.2bn contract fraud.
Justice Maryam Hassan directed that the former minister should remain in custody until the court hears his bail application, which has been fixed for December 14.
EFCC prosecutors told the court that Ngige entered a not guilty plea to eight counts that accuse him of abusing his office and receiving gifts from contractors linked to the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund while he oversaw the agency from 2015 to 2023.
Counsel to the EFCC, Sylvanus Tahir, asked the court for a trial date and urged the judge to remand the defendant pending the beginning of the case.
According to him, the defendant’s plea required the court to set a date for trial, adding that the Kuje facility should hold him until proceedings commence.
Defence lawyer, Patrick Ikwueto, objected to the prosecution’s request and appealed for bail, arguing that the former minister needed medical attention and had already spent three days in EFCC custody before his arraignment.
He informed the court that Ngige was served with the charge only a day earlier and stressed that the Constitution provides for bail as a right, especially for a public figure who is well known in the country.
Another point raised by the defence was the minister’s health condition, noting that Kuje Correctional Centre lacked the capacity to manage his medical needs.
Further arguing, Ikwueto dismissed the EFCC’s claims as not serious enough to justify detention, insisting that the allegations were not comparable to terrorism or treason-related offences.
He also noted that the defence was not given the opportunity to file its counter-affidavit before the prosecution requested remand.
The EFCC, however, maintained its position, describing the accusations as weighty and warning against any attempt to downplay the gravity of the charges.
Prosecutors also informed the court that Ngige had failed to return his international passport after travelling for medical treatment in October.
The matter was adjourned to December 14, while the court ordered that Ngige should remain in Kuje Correctional Centre until the next hearing.
