The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arraigned former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, over allegations of contract fraud.

Ngige, who also previously served as governor of Anambra State, appeared before a Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarimpa on Friday, where he faced an eight-count charge.

He pleaded not guilty to all the allegations.

According to the charge sheet dated October 31, the EFCC accused Ngige of abusing his office by awarding several contracts to individuals and companies connected to him, thereby conferring undue advantage.

Ngige served as Anambra governor from 2003 to 2006 and later as Minister of Labour from 2015 to 2023.

His media aide, Fred Chukwuelobe, recently disclosed on December 11 that Ngige was in EFCC custody, following public speculation that he had been abducted.