The trial of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, continued on Thursday before Justice M.A. Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Gwarimpa, Abuja, with arguments over the admissibility of documents presented by the defence.
Ngige is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on an eight-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office and fraudulent contract awards involving N2.26 billion.
During proceedings, the third prosecution witness, Onwusoro Maduka Iheamelam, was cross-examined by defence counsel P.I.N. Ikwueto (SAN). The witness requested access to documents referenced by the defence to refresh his memory, noting that the events under review occurred in 2021 and 2022.
When the defence sought to tender the documents, prosecution counsel Sylvanu Tahir objected, arguing that the documents were not certified true copies and therefore failed to meet the requirements of Section 104 of the Evidence Act 2011.
While testifying, Iheamelam said he served on the panel that investigated the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund and helped prepare its recommendations. He, however, clarified that he was neither a member nor the secretary of the Parastatals Tenders Board.
The witness also told the court that although there was no obvious external interference in the panel’s work, there may have been behind-the-scenes influence. He further confirmed that Zitacom Nigeria Limited and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited were among the companies awarded contracts by the NSITF.
Justice Hassan adjourned the case to October 14, 2026, when the court will rule on the admissibility of the defence documents. Proceedings will continue on November 11 and 12, 2026, with further cross-examination of the prosecution witness.
