By Our Correspondent
A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chris Ngige, in Kuje Correctional Centre pending the hearing of his bail application.

The order followed his arraignment on Friday on an eight-count charge bordering on abuse of office, contract fraud and gratification.

Ngige, who served as supervising minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) between 2015 and 2023, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read before Justice Maryam Hassan.

According to a charge sheet filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the former minister allegedly abused his office by awarding multiple contracts to associates and companies connected to him.

The anti-graft agency alleged that seven contracts worth N366.47 million were approved for Cezimo Nigeria Limited, a firm linked to Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, described as an associate of Ngige.

The commission also listed Zitacom Nigeria Limited,also associated with Ezebinwa, as a beneficiary of eight contracts valued at N583.68 million.

Two firms reportedly linked to Uzoma Igbonwa, Olde English Consolidated Limited and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, were also said to have received contract approvals amounting to N668.14 million and N161.60 million, respectively.

The EFCC further alleged that Ngige received financial benefits from contractors through organisations linked to him.

The former Anambra governor was accused of accepting N38.65 million through the Chris Nwabueze Ngige Campaign Organisation from Cezimo Nigeria Limited, and an additional N55 million through the Senator (r) Chris Ngige Scholarship Scheme from Zitacom Nigeria Limited—both contractors with the NSITF.

During Friday’s session, EFCC counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, urged the court to remand the defendant in prison and set a date for trial, insisting that Ngige posed a flight risk.

He told the court that although the former minister had been granted administrative bail and allowed to travel abroad for medical treatment, he failed to return his international passport upon arriving in Nigeria on November 19, as required.

But Ngige’s lawyer, Patrick Ikwueto, disputed the claim, stating that his client had formally notified the EFCC that his passport and other valuables were stolen during a robbery incident in London.

He said the former minister returned to Nigeria using a travel certificate issued in place of the stolen passport.

Ikwueto acknowledged that his formal bail motion had not yet matured but urged the court to grant interim bail, stressing that Ngige had already spent three days in EFCC custody and was in need of urgent medical attention.

In her ruling, Justice Hassan rejected the oral bail request and ordered that Ngige be remanded in Kuje prison.

She adjourned the hearing of the bail application to Monday, November 15, and directed that the defendant be given access to medical care while in custody.

By David Owei .

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has expressed sadness over the death of Adesoji Omosebi, Publisher of SOJ Worldwide Online News, a member of the Osun Online Publishers Association.

The Governor described his demise as a great loss to the media industry in Osun state adding that his contributions to the growth and development of the online media industry in Osun state cannot be over emphasized.

In a statement by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the Governor noted that the contributions of the late Publisher to the development of Osun State as a player in the fourth estate of the realm will never be forgotten.

“Today, we mourn the demise of Adesoji Omosebi, the Publisher of SOJ Worldwide Online News and a member of the Osun Online Publishers Association.

“His demise is a huge loss to the media industry in Osun state. His contributions to the growth and development of the online media sector as pioneer Chairman of OOPA will never be forgotten.

“His contributions to the development of Osun as a major player in the fourth estate of the realm will never be forgotten.

The governor further directed the State Health Insurance agency to study the possibility of enrolling journalists in the health Insurance scheme, describing them as important stakeholders in the society.

“May God Almighty comfort his family and grant them the fortitude to bear this great loss. SOJ will be missed greatly”, the Governor noted in a condolence message.

BY UTHMAN BABA-NASEER,MINNA

The FCT High Court sitting in Gwagwalada has ordered the enforcement for the recovery of property at plot 18, Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent,Wuse two,in Abuja

On Tuesday, 9 December 2025, the lawful owner of the property at Plot 81, Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja, regained full possession of the premises following enforcement by court sheriffs of a binding High Court judgment.

Legal proceedings revealed that the property was formally acquired by Collins Onwuzulike (the rightful owner) through a valid Deed of Assignment and payment executed on 1 May 2024. A Federal Capital Territory High Court sitting in Gwagwalada ruled in favour of Onwuzulike, ordering immediate vacant possession of the property and directing all occupants, including Obi Cubana’s firm, to hand over the premises.

On the morning of the enforcement, sheriffs — accompanied by security agencies — arrived at the site. Despite reported attempts to obstruct the process, possession was lawfully transferred. Keys to the building were handed over to the owner’s legal representative in public and coverd by journalists, signifying full compliance with the court’s order.

This development officially ends the occupancy of the property by Obi Cubana’s operations under the trademark CASH FLOW (a lounge/nightlife hub), bringing closure to a protracted property dispute.

According to our reporter who was on the spot,observed that this outcome underscores the primacy of lawful ownership, due process, and enforcement of court orders. It demonstrates that, irrespective of public profile, no individual or entity is above the law when it comes to legitimate property rights and legal obligations.
This should serve as example to others who thinks they can manipulate the law to suit their purpose always.
The law is above any individual no matter your status and affluence.

The landmark judgement has reaffirmed public confidence in the judiciary.

It is always good to be just and fair in every situation, truth is the same anywhere in the World.
Hence people should learn to always do the right thing even when nobody is looking in your direction.

The landmark judgment has nullified and invalidated further tenancy of Obi Cubana and his sub-tenants and they were all ejected from the property.
The Court ordered them to vacate the premises immediately.
Everybody who has gained entrance through Obi Cubans had the loads removed to ensure full compliance with the court’s verdict and they were banned from parading the premises directly or indirectly.