The trial of former Labour and Employment Minister Chris Ngige over an alleged N2.2 billion fraud continued on Thursday at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarimpa, Abuja, with the court reserving its decision on disputed defence documents until October 14.
Ngige is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on an eight-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office and fraudulent contract awards valued at N2,261,722,535.84.
During proceedings before Justice M.A. Hassan, the third prosecution witness, Onwusoro Maduka Iheamelam, was cross-examined by Ngige’s counsel, P.I.N. Ikwueto (SAN).
The witness requested to see documents referenced during cross-examination to refresh his memory, explaining that the events under review occurred in 2021 and 2022.
When the defence sought to tender the documents, EFCC counsel Sylvanu Tahir (SAN) objected, arguing that they were not certified true copies and therefore failed to comply with Section 104 of the Evidence Act 2011.
According to the EFCC, Tahir told the court that the documents “violently offend the provision of Section 104 of the Evidence Act 2011.”
The witness also testified that he was a member of the panel that investigated the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and helped prepare its recommendations. However, he clarified that he was neither a member nor the secretary of the Parastatals Tenders Board.
He further stated that while there was no obvious external interference in the panel’s work, there may have been behind-the-scenes interference.
Iheamelam also confirmed that he was familiar with Zitacom Nigeria Limited and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, adding that both companies were awarded contracts by the NSITF.
Justice Hassan adjourned the case to October 14 and November 11 and 12, 2026, for a ruling on the admissibility of the defence documents and the continuation of the witness’s cross-examination.
