The Digest:
Former Minister Chris Ngige has pleaded not guilty to eight counts of corruption totaling ₦2.2 billion before the FCT High Court. According to the EFCC, the charges relate to contract awards during his tenure as supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund.
Key Points:
- Chris Ngige pleaded not guilty to eight corruption charges filed by the EFCC
- The charges relate to alleged contract awards worth ₦2.2bn while he served as Labour Minister
- He was arraigned before Justice Mariam Hassan of the FCT High Court, Gwarinpa
- EFCC counsel Sylvanus Tahir requested a trial date and sought Ngige’s remand
- Ngige’s defence counsel argued for bail, citing his client’s health and public standing
- The former minister had been in EFCC custody for three days before the arraignment
- The case continues as the court considers bail and sets a date for trial
In a courtroom where pleas are entered and fates deferred, the plea of “not guilty” marks not an end, but the beginning of a legal storm, one where evidence, argument, and public watchfulness will test the foundations of accountability.
Sources: Channels TV, Premium Times
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