The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed an eight-count complaint against former Labour and Productivity Minister Chris Ngige for suspected contract fraud.

Ngige will be charged on Friday, December 11, before a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) high court in Gwarimpa, Abuja.

In the October 31 allegation, the commission said that the former minister exploited his position to gain an unfair advantage by giving repeated contracts to colleagues and organisations affiliated to him.

The EFCC said that between September 2015 and May 2023, while acting as supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), Ngige granted seven contracts for consultation, training, and supply to Cezimo Nigeria Limited totalling N366,470,920.68.

Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, the company’s managing director, is identified as the former minister’s acquaintance.

According to the anti-graft agency, the crime breaches Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act of 2000.

The charging sheet also names additional firms that allegedly benefitted from contracts approved by Ngige.

Ezebinwa, Zitacom Nigeria Limited’s managing director (MD)/chief executive officer (CEO), is reported to have obtained eight contracts for supply, training, and consultation valued N583,682,686.

Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike’s company, Jeff & Xris Limited, reportedly received eight contracts totalling N362,043,163.16.

Olde English Consolidated Limited, directed by Uzoma Igbonwa, was identified as obtaining four contracts for consultation, training, and construction worth N668,138.141.

Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, which is also tied to Igbonwa, reportedly obtained four further contracts totalling N161,604,625.

Earlier on Thursday, Ngige’s media assistant, Fred Chukwuelobe, denied reports that the former minister had been abducted.

Rather, he revealed that the EFCC had arrested Anambra state’s ex-governor.