“Why Justice Hassan Ordered Ngige to Kuje: The Untold Details Hidden Inside the N2.2bn Contract Scandal”
By Passman Akpos
A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Gwarimpa, Abuja, has ordered the remand of former Minister of Labour and Productivity, Dr. Chris Ngige, at the Kuje Correctional Centre pending the determination of his bail application scheduled for Monday, December 14.
Justice Maryam Hassan issued the order on Friday after Ngige pleaded not guilty to an eight-count charge bordering on abuse of office, receiving gifts from government contractors, and allegedly using his ministerial position to award contracts worth ₦2,261,722,535.84 to associates.
The charges, dated October 31, were filed by a legal team led by Sylvanus Tahir (SAN) on behalf of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Prosecutors allege that Ngige, while serving as the supervising Minister of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) between September 2015 and May 2023, repeatedly conferred undue advantage on close associates through multiple contract awards.
According to count one, Ngige is accused of using his office to benefit Cezimo Nigeria Limited, a company headed by Ezebinwa Amarachukwu Charles, described as his associate. The firm allegedly received seven contracts amounting to ₦366,470,920.68, covering consultancy, training, and supply services. The alleged offence contravenes Section 19 of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000.
Other companies named in the charge include:
Zitacom Nigeria Limited, linked to Ezebinwa, which allegedly received eight contracts valued at ₦583,682,686.00;
Jeff & Xris Limited, headed by Nwosu Jideofor Chukwunwike, alleged to have secured eight contracts worth ₦362,043,163.16;
Olde English Consolidated Limited, owned by Uzoma Igbonwa, said to have obtained four contracts totaling ₦668,138,141.00;
Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, also linked to Igbonwa, accused of receiving four contracts valued at ₦161,604,625.00.
Ngige maintained his innocence as the charges were read, and his legal team is expected to argue for bail at the next adjourned date.
Justice Hassan ordered his immediate remand, stating that custodial detention was necessary pending the court’s consideration of the bail application.
The case has been adjourned to December 14 for the hearing of the bail motion.
