Ngige’s N2.26bn Fraud Trial: Witness Reveals Presidential Panel’s Directives in Court

A prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, has told an Abuja court that he received presidential directives to implement decisions arising from an investigative panel set up to probe the activities of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).

The witness, Onwusoro Maduka Iheamelam, a Permanent Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, made the disclosure on Thursday, November 12, 2026, during cross-examination in Ngige’s N2.26 billion fraud trial.

Iheamelam, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) third prosecution witness, told Justice M.A. Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja, that he was a member of the presidential investigative panel established to examine the activities of the NSITF during Ngige’s tenure as supervising minister.

Responding to questions from defence counsel, P.I.N. Ikwueto, SAN, the witness disclosed that he received a presidential directive to implement decisions taken by the President following the panel’s findings.

He said the directives covered procurement functions and other activities of the NSITF during the period under investigation.

The proceedings also featured a disagreement between the prosecution and defence over access to the witness’s previous statements.

Defence counsel requested that the prosecution produce the original copies of the witness’s statements for examination.

However, EFCC prosecution counsel, Sylvanus Tahir, SAN, opposed the request, arguing that the defence should formally apply for Certified True Copies (CTCs) if it required the documents.

Ngige is facing an eight-count charge bordering on alleged abuse of office and fraudulent contract awards valued at N2,261,722,535.84 involving the NSITF.

The charges relate to alleged irregularities in the award of contracts during his tenure as Minister of Labour and Employment and his oversight of the agency.

The former minister has not been convicted of the allegations, which remain before the court.

Following Thursday’s proceedings, Justice Hassan adjourned the case until February 9, 10 and 11, 2027, for continuation of trial.