EFCC lists Cezimo, Zitacom, Jeff & Xris among firms In Ngige contract fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed an eight-count criminal charge against former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, over alleged contract fraud running into hundreds of millions of naira.

Ngige, who also served as a former Governor of Anambra State, is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday, December 11, before a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Gwarimpa, Abuja.

According to the charge sheet dated October 31, the anti-graft agency alleged that the former minister abused his office by awarding several contracts to associates and companies linked to him while overseeing the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).

The EFCC claimed that between September 2015 and May 2023, Ngige approved seven contracts for consultancy, training and supply services to Cezimo Nigeria Limited, valued at ₦366,470,920.68. The company’s Managing Director, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, is said to be a close associate of the ex-minister.

The offences, according to the agency, contravene Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

The commission also listed several other companies that allegedly benefitted from contracts under Ngige’s watch, including:

Zitacom Nigeria Limited, managed by Ezebinwa, which reportedly received eight contracts worth ₦583,682,686 for supply, training and consultancy.

Jeff & Xris Limited, owned by Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike, said to have been awarded eight contracts valued at ₦362,043,163.16.

Olde English Consolidated Limited, headed by Uzoma Igbonwa, which allegedly secured four contracts for consultancy, training and construction totalling ₦668,138,141.

Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, also linked to Igbonwa, reportedly received four contracts worth ₦161,604,625.

Earlier on Thursday, Ngige’s media aide, Fred Chukwuelobe, clarified that his principal was not kidnapped, contrary to social media rumours, but was in EFCC custody.

Ngige, who served as Minister of Labour under former President Muhammadu Buhari, was reportedly arrested on Wednesday as part of a wider investigation into alleged contract racketeering during his tenure.

As of press time, the EFCC has not issued an official statement on the arraignment, while Ngige’s legal team has yet to comment on the charges.

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