N2.26bn NSITF Fraud: Witness Tells Court of Presidential Orders in Ongoing Trial of Ex-Minister Ngige
A prosecution witness in the ongoing N2.26 billion fraud trial involving former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, has told an Abuja High Court that he received presidential directives to implement decisions arising from an investigative panel’s findings on the activities of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
The disclosure was made on Thursday, November 12, 2026, during the continuation of Ngige’s trial by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) before Justice M.A. Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja.
The witness, Onwusoro Maduka Iheamelam, who is the third prosecution witness (PW3), disclosed that he served on the presidential investigative panel established to investigate the activities of the NSITF under Ngige’s supervision.
While being cross-examined by defence counsel, P.I.N. Ikwueto, SAN, Iheamelam, a Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, explained that he was directed by the President to implement decisions reached following the panel’s investigation.
According to him, the presidential directives covered procurement-related matters and other activities of the NSITF during the period being investigated.
Another issue that featured during the proceedings was a disagreement over the production of the witness’s statements.
The defence team asked the prosecution to present the original copies of the statements for inspection. In response, prosecution counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, opposed the request, maintaining that the defence must formally apply for Certified True Copies of the documents.
The EFCC is prosecuting Ngige on an eight-count charge involving alleged abuse of office and fraudulent contract awards valued at N2,261,722,535.84.
The charges relate to alleged irregularities in the award of NSITF contracts during his tenure as Minister of Labour and Employment.
After hearing submissions from both parties, Justice Hassan adjourned the matter to February 9, 10 and 11, 2027, for continuation of the trial.
