Court rules on defence documents in Ngige’s alleged N2.2bn fraud trial in October 14

From Sola Ojo, Abuja

The trial of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, continued on Thursday before the Federal Capital Territory High Court, with the court reserving ruling on the admissibility of documents sought to be tendered by the defence until October 14.

Justice M. A. Hassan also fixed November 11 and 12, 2026, for the continuation of the cross-examination of the third prosecution witness.

Ngige is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on an eight-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office and fraudulent award of contracts valued at N2.26 billion.

At yesterday’s proceedings, the third prosecution witness, Onwusoro Maduka Iheamelam, was cross-examined by defence counsel, P.I.N. Ikwueto.

During the proceedings, the witness requested to see documents referred to by the defence to refresh his memory, explaining that the events under consideration occurred in 2021 and 2022.

When the defence sought to tender the documents, prosecution counsel, Sylvanu Tahir (SAN), objected, arguing that they were not certified true copies as required under Section 104 of the Evidence Act 2011.

According to the EFCC Spokesman Dele Oyewale, Tahir submitted that the documents “violently offend the provision of Section 104 of the Evidence Act 2011.”

The witness also told the court that he had reviewed the documents presented by the defence and confirmed that he served on the panel that investigated the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund and made recommendations.

He, however, said he was neither a member nor the secretary of the Parastatals Tenders Board. While maintaining that there was no overt external interference in the panel’s work, he added that there “may have been some interference behind the scene.”

Under further cross-examination, the witness confirmed that he was aware of Zitacom Nigeria Limited and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, stating that both companies were awarded contracts by the NSITF.

Justice Hassan subsequently adjourned the matter to October 14 for ruling on the admissibility of the defence documents and to November 11 and 12 for the continuation of the witness’ cross-examination.