The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) interrogated Chris Ngige, former Minister of Labour and Employment, about contract irregularities and employment racketeering at the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund during his tenure.
The ICPC had previously summoned several top NSITF officials for interrogation about an N47 million gratuity paid to the immediate past Managing Director, Mrs. Maureen Allagoa, while she was still in service.
However, it was reported that the former minister spent more than five hours with ICPC investigators on Wednesday, answering detailed questions concerning the granting of certain contracts.
Sources who were familiar with the matter said, “The former minister was invited, and he showed up and was released on Wednesday night. He should have been around, but he said he was out of the country. He was interrogated on many matters bordering on the award of contracts and job racketeering, among others under him. He was also grilled on the e-NSITF, for which he got approval from FEC.”
When asked, ICPC spokesperson Demola Bakare verified Ngige’s invitation.
He stated the former minister was released after being interrogated. Bakare responded, “He was invited and interrogated on some issues and was released to go.”