December 15, 2025 — Dalena Reporters
Former Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, will remain in Kuje Correctional Centre, Abuja, until December 18, 2025, following his arraignment over alleged involvement in a ₦22 billion fraud, according to court proceedings reported by Dalena Reporters.
Ngige was brought before the court by anti‑corruption authorities in connection with allegations bordering on criminal conspiracy, abuse of office and diversion of public funds during his tenure as minister. The prosecution informed the court that investigations had uncovered transactions and approvals allegedly linked to the misappropriation of funds earmarked for labour‑related programmes and interventions.
At the hearing, the court declined to grant Ngige immediate bail, ordering that he be remanded in custody at the Kuje facility pending further consideration of his bail application. The judge subsequently adjourned the matter to December 18 for continuation of proceedings and possible ruling on bail.
Ngige, a former governor of Anambra State and senior political figure, pleaded not guilty to the charges read against him. His legal team argued that the former minister is a respected public servant with deep roots in the country and therefore poses no flight risk. They urged the court to exercise discretion in granting bail.
However, prosecutors countered that the gravity of the alleged offence and the scale of the funds involved necessitated continued detention, citing the need to prevent interference with investigations and potential witnesses.
The case has attracted widespread public attention, given Ngige’s long‑standing role in Nigerian politics and his prominence within the All Progressives Congress (APC). Civil society organisations and anti‑corruption advocates have described the prosecution as a critical test of the Federal Government’s commitment to tackling high‑level corruption.
SaharaReporters quoted sources familiar with the matter as saying that the alleged ₦22 billion fraud relates to contracts and disbursements approved during Ngige’s tenure, though full details are expected to emerge as the trial progresses.
Outside the courtroom, reactions were mixed, with some supporters describing the charges as politically motivated, while others welcomed the development as part of a broader push for accountability among former public office holders.
As Ngige remains in custody, legal analysts say the outcome of the bail hearing could set the tone for the substantive trial, which is expected to involve extensive documentary evidence and testimony from government officials and financial institutions.
The court is scheduled to reconvene on December 18, 2025, when arguments on bail and the next phase of the trial will be addressed.