Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, has been taken into custody following his arraignment earlier than an Abuja Excessive Court docket on Friday.
The courtroom, sitting in Gwarinpa, ordered his remand on the Kuje Correctional Centre shortly after he was introduced in by operatives of the {Economic} and {Financial} Crimes Fee.
Ngige is going through an eight-count cost linked to alleged N2.2 billion contract fraud throughout his time because the supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance coverage Belief Fund (NSITF). The offences have been stated to have occurred between 2015 and 2023.
The previous minister entered a not-guilty plea when the fees have been learn to him. His arraignment marked the start of what’s anticipated to be a high-profile trial involving procurement irregularities and alleged misuse of public workplace.
After the plea was taken, EFCC counsel, Sylvanus Tahir (SAN), moved for a proper trial date. He additionally requested the courtroom to order the defendant’s remand.
In keeping with him, “In view of the not responsible plea entered by the defendant, we humbly apply for the trial date. We additional pray my Lord that the accused particular person be remanded on the Kuje jail pending the graduation of the total trial.”
Ngige’s attorneys resisted the prosecution’s request. Lead defence counsel, Patrick Ikwueto (SAN), appealed for bail, insisting his consumer had spent the final three days in EFCC custody and ought to be allowed entry to medical care. He argued strongly that the allegations don’t fall underneath offences that warrant excessive restrictions.
He stated, “The defendant has taken his plea, and your lordship is now in full management of this trial… The difficulty of whether or not he might be granted bail or not is a proper in our Structure. The defendant shouldn’t be an unknown particular person on this nation… I urge your Lordship to grant the defendant bail, and we’re able to grant any requirement your Lordship will put to grant him bail.”
The defence additional defined that Ngige had well being issues and wanted medical consideration, noting that the correctional facility doesn’t have the capability to handle his situation.
Ikwueto additionally argued that the prosecution rushed its utility and didn’t enable the defence time to file a correct response.
The EFCC pushed again, describing the fees as weighty and warning the courtroom to not overlook the seriousness of the allegations. The prosecution additionally advised the courtroom that Ngige didn’t return his worldwide passport after a latest medical journey, elevating issues about compliance.
Justice Maryam Hassan adjourned the bail listening to to Monday, December 14, and ordered that Ngige stay in Kuje jail pending the courtroom’s choice.