UPDATED: Why former Minister Chris Ngige is in ICPC custody

Dr Chris Ngige, a former Minister of Labour under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is currently in the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related Offences Commission (ICPC).

Diaspora Digital Media understands his plight is in connection with the ongoing investigation into the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) under the immediate past administration.

Sources said that Mr Ngige spent the night in ICPC custody after presenting himself for interrogation on Wednesday night amidst allegations of misappropriating N48 billion during his tenure as minister.

He has since not been allowed to return home.

Background:

In 2020, a high-profile corruption scandal rocked the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), a government agency responsible for providing social security and insurance benefits to Nigerian citizens.

The scandal involved the misappropriation of funds totaling N62 billion (approximately $150 million USD) meant for social security and insurance programs.

At the center of the scandal was Dr. Ngozi Olejeme, the former chairman of the NSITF board, who was accused of misappropriating funds and diverting them for personal gain.

Olejeme allegedly used her position to award contracts to companies without following due process and diverted funds meant for social security programs to personal accounts.

Other officials, including Umar Munir Abubakar, Adebayo Somefun, and Jasper Azuatalam, were also accused of fraud and mismanagement.

The methods used to divert funds were varied and sophisticated. Officials used fake invoices and receipts to justify payments and received bribes from contractors and consultants.

In some cases, funds were diverted to personal accounts or used to finance private businesses.

The scandal highlighted the lack of transparency and accountability in public institutions and the ease with which corrupt officials could exploit weaknesses in the system.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) investigated the matter and charged the individuals involved with fraud, money laundering, and corruption.

The scandal led to the suspension of the NSITF management board and calls for greater transparency and accountability in public institutions.

The government was forced to take action to prevent future occurrences, including the implementation of stricter controls and oversight mechanisms.

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