BREAKING: Former Anambra Governor Chris Ngige Sent to Kuje Prison Over N2.2bn Contract Scam

Former Governor of Anambra State and immediate past Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, has been remanded in Kuje Correctional Centre after he was denied bail by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Gwarimpa. The decision followed his arraignment on allegations of contract fraud amounting to over N2.2 billion.

 

Ngige, who served as a cabinet minister in the Buhari administration from 2015 to 2023, is facing a multi-count charge bordering on the improper and illegal award of contracts totaling N2,261,722,535.84 during his tenure. The charges, brought by federal prosecutors, accuse him of manipulating procurement processes and awarding inflated or questionable contracts to close associates and political allies.

 

The former minister, however, pleaded not guilty to all allegations.

 

Courtroom Drama as Ngige is Arraigned

 

The court session, presided over by Justice Maryam Hassan, drew an unusually large crowd, including journalists, supporters, and observers who filled the courtroom gallery. Sources present noted that Ngige appeared composed but visibly tense as the charges were read to him.

 

According to the prosecution, preliminary investigations revealed patterns of contract splitting, over-invoicing, and awards made to companies that allegedly had no physical office or proven track record. Prosecutors alleged that the contract deals were executed between 2017 and 2022, during Ngige’s leadership of the Labour Ministry.

 

The contracts in question reportedly covered employment-related empowerment projects, training programs, procurement of office equipment, and other ministry-linked initiatives. Many of the contracts, the prosecution insists, were never completed or were abandoned shortly after commencement.

 

After listening to the arguments, Justice Hassan ruled that the nature of the allegations required the former minister to be held in custody pending the outcome of his bail hearing.

 

Justice Hassan Orders Immediate Remand

 

Delivering her ruling, Justice Hassan ordered that Ngige be remanded at the Kuje Correctional Centre, a facility known for holding high-profile detainees including former governors, ex-ministers, and even terror suspects.

 

“Given the gravity of the allegations and the need to ensure the integrity of the judicial process, the defendant is hereby ordered to be remanded in the custody of the Kuje Correctional Centre,” the judge declared.

 

The remand order triggered murmurs in the courtroom, with some of Ngige’s supporters expressing shock. His lead counsel attempted to make an oral application for bail on the spot, but Justice Hassan declined, insisting that all bail applications must follow formal procedure.

 

She then scheduled the hearing for Monday, December 14, when the court will decide whether the former governor qualifies for temporary release pending trial.

 

Prosecution Vows to Pursue Charges to Logical Conclusion

 

Speaking to journalists outside the courtroom, a senior member of the prosecution team stated that the government is committed to accountability and transparency, regardless of social or political status.

 

“We are dealing with a case that involves the alleged mismanagement of billions of naira belonging to the Nigerian people,” the official said. “No individual, no matter how highly placed or politically connected, should be above the law.”

 

He added that substantial documentary evidence had been compiled, including contract papers, bank statements, internal ministry communications, and testimonies from civil servants who allegedly witnessed irregularities.

 

“We are prepared to prove our case in full,” he said.

 

Ngige’s Lawyers: ‘This Is Political Persecution’

 

Ngige’s defence team, however, has rejected the allegations in their entirety. In a brief media exchange, his lead counsel described the case as “politically motivated” and warned against what he called the “weaponisation of anti-corruption agencies for political warfare.”

 

“We have a strong case,” he said. “Our client has served this nation for decades, both as governor and as minister. He has no reason to engage in fraudulent activities. We believe this is a smear campaign orchestrated by powerful individuals who feel threatened by his political relevance.”

 

The lawyer added that the defence team would present “overwhelming evidence” to clear Ngige’s name once the trial begins.

 

Supporters Rally Outside Court

 

Outside the courthouse, dozens of Ngige’s supporters gathered, chanting solidarity slogans and carrying placards bearing inscriptions such as “Ngige Is Innocent”, “Stop Political Witch-Hunt”, and “Respect Rule of Law”.

 

Some supporters accused the government of targeting opposition voices ahead of the 2027 political cycle. Others expressed concern over the speed with which the case was filed, hinting that the process may have been rushed for political impact.

 

Despite the agitation, security operatives maintained tight control over the premises, ensuring that the crowd did not disrupt court activities.

 

Kuje Prison Officials Receive Ngige

 

Shortly after the court adjourned, Ngige was escorted by armed correctional officers into a waiting vehicle which transported him directly to Kuje Prison, located on the outskirts of Abuja. The facility is known for its high-security blocks and previously housed prominent detainees such as former governors Jolly Nyame and Joshua Dariye, PDP chieftain Olisa Metuh, and former APC national security adviser Sambo Dasuki.

 

Sources within the correctional service confirmed that the former governor would undergo standard intake procedures, including medical checks, documentation, and temporary holding before his cell assignment.

 

What Happens Next?

 

The next major step in the case will be the bail hearing scheduled for December 14, during which the defence will argue that Ngige should be released while the trial proceeds. The prosecution is expected to oppose the request, arguing that the former minister may attempt to influence witnesses or tamper with evidence.

 

The court will then decide whether he remains in custody or regains temporary freedom.

 

Legal analysts say the trial could become one of the most closely watched anti-corruption cases of the year, given Ngige’s political profile and long history in public office. Some observers believe the trial may stretch for months or longer, depending on motions, adjournments, and evidence presentation.

 

For now, Chris Ngige — once a federal minister, senator, and governor — awaits his fate behind the walls of Kuje Correctional Centre, as the nation watches closely.