Court remands Ex Anambra Gov, Ngige over corruption charges

Former governor of Anambra state, Chris Ngige, has been remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre following his arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged N2.2 billion fraud.

Justice Mariam Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory High Court ordered his remand today after Ngige was docked on an eight-count charge bordering on abuse of office and conferring undue advantage during his tenure as supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).

The judge fixed Monday, December 15, for hearing of Ngige’s bail application.

During proceedings, EFCC counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, urged the court to set a date for trial and requested that the defendant remain in EFCC custody pending bail.
However, Ngige’s counsel opposed the request, noting that the former governor had already spent three days in EFCC detention. He added that Ngige was a well-known public figure and in need of medical attention, and that the defence was prepared to meet any bail conditions.

Ngige arrived at the court around 8:10 a.m. under EFCC escort.

According to the charge marked FCT/HC/CR/726/2025 and filed on December 9, the alleged offences were committed between 2015 and 2023 while he served as minister under former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The EFCC accused Ngige of awarding multiple consultancy, training, supply, and construction contracts to companies linked to his associates, amounting to over ₦2.2 billion.
The companies named in the charges include Cezimo Nigeria Limited, Zitacom Nigeria Limited, Jeff & Xris Limited, and Olde English Consolidated Limited.