The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has reaffirmed its commitment to the ongoing prosecution of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, regarding accusations of administrative misconduct and abuse of office.
The legal proceedings are currently being heard before Justice M.A. Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. At the heart of the litigation are allegations involving a fraudulent contract award estimated at over N2.26 billion, which reportedly occurred under the purview of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) during Mr. Ngige’s tenure as minister.
During the most recent court session, the prosecution presented its third witness, Onwusoro Maduka, a permanent secretary within the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs. Mr. Maduka provided testimony regarding his role as a member of a presidential investigative panel specifically tasked with auditing the operations of the NSITF while the agency was under Mr. Ngige’s supervision.
Under cross-examination by the defence team, led by P.I.N. Ikwueno, the witness clarified the nature of the directives he received. He informed the court that he had been instructed to execute specific decisions reached by the President following the findings of the investigative panel. These directives encompassed various procurement functions and operational activities within the NSITF during the timeframe under scrutiny. Crucially, the witness stated for the record that these instructions were issued directly by the President, rather than by Mr. Ngige.
The charges against the former minister center on the controversial award of contracts that allegedly bypassed established financial regulations while he held supervisory authority over the labor ministry and its associated agencies.
Following the conclusion of the latest testimony, Justice Hassan adjourned the trial. The proceedings are scheduled to resume on February 9, 10, and 11, 2027, as the court continues to hear further evidence in the matter.
Source: NaijaProbe