Alleged N2.2bn Fraud: Court Fix October 14 to Rule on Defence Documents in Ngige Trial
The trial of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, continue on Thursday at the FCT High Courtin Gwarimpa, Abuja, with the court fixing October 14, 2026, to decide whether documents presented by the defence will be admitted as evidence.
Justice M.A. Hassan fixed the date after lawyers for both sides argued over the admissibility of the documents during the cross-examination of the third prosecution witness (PW3), Onwusoro Maduka Iheamelam.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is prosecuting Ngige on an eight-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office and fraudulent contract awards valued at ₦2.26 billion.
During the hearing, Ngige’s lawyer, P.I.N. Ikwueto (SAN), referred the witness to some documents and later attempted to tender them before the court.
However, the witness requested time to study the documents, explaining that the events under investigation happened between 2021 and 2022, and he needed to refresh his memory.
The EFCC lawyer, Sylvanu Tahir (SAN), opposed the move, arguing that the documents were not certified true copies as required by law.
He urged the court to reject them, citing Section 104 of the Evidence Act, 2011.
While answering questions during cross-examination, the witness confirmed that he was a member of the panel that investigated activities at the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and participated in submitting recommendations after the investigation.
He also clarified that he was not a member or secretary of the Parastatals Tenders Board (PTB).
The witness further told the court that although he did not observe any direct external interference during the investigation, there might have been some influence behind the scenes.
He also confirmed that Zitacom Nigeria Limited and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited were among the companies awarded contracts by the NSITF.
After listening to both parties, Justice Hassan adjourned the case to October 14, 2026, for ruling on the admissibility of the defence documents.
The trial will continue on November 11 and 12, 2026, when the court is expected to resume the cross-examination of the prosecution witness.
