The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has filed an eight-count rate towards the previous Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige.

The rate experiences published that the previous Anambra State governor might be arraigned on Friday on the FCT High Court in Gwarimpa, Abuja.

According to the rate dated 31 October and filed by way of Senior Advocate of Nigeria Sylvanus Tahir and 5 different attorneys on behalf of the EFCC, the anti-graft company alleged that Ngige used his place as a former minister to confer undue merit by way of awarding other contracts to his mates and to firms believed to be owned by way of him.

In Count 1, the previous minister, between September 2015 and May 2023, whilst being the supervising Minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), used his place to confer an unfair merit upon Cezimo Nigeria Limited, a venture whose MD/CEO and change ego, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, is assumed to be his affiliate.

He allegedly awarded seven other contracts for consultancy, coaching, and provide by way of the NSITF to the stated venture to the song of N366,470,920.68, thereby committing an offence opposite to and punishable beneath Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.

Other firms discussed within the rate are Zitacom Nigeria Limited, a venture whose MD/CEO and change ego, Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, used to be awarded 8 other contracts for provide, coaching, and consultancy with the NSITF to the song of N583,682,686.00; and Jeff & Xris Limited, a venture whose MD/CEO and change ego, Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike, additionally were given 8 other contracts to the song of N362,043,163.16.

Others are Olde English Consolidated Limited, a venture whose MD/CEO, Uzoma Igbonwa, were given the award of 4 other contracts for consultancy, coaching, and development by way of the NSITF to the song of N668,138,141.00; and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, a venture whose MD/CEO and change ego, Uzoma Igbonwa, were given the award of 4 other contracts to the song of N161,604,625.00.

Recall that Ngige used to be arrested in Abuja on Wednesday evening and has since been within the custody of the EFCC.