The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, says it has continued prosecuting former labour minister Chris Ngige over alleged abuse of office.

In a statement on Thursday, the EFCC said Mr Ngige’s trial continued before Justice M.A. Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja Division, over an alleged fraudulent contract award valued at N2,261,722,535 involving the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF). 

At the resumed proceedings, EFCC’s third prosecution witness, Onwusoro Maduka, a permanent secretary in the Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs, testified on directives arising from a presidential investigative panel set up to examine the NSITF’s activities under Ngige’s supervision. 

According to the EFCC, the witness disclosed during cross-examination by the defence counsel, P.I.N. Ikwueno, that he was a member of the presidential investigative panel established to investigate the matter.

“He told the court that he received a presidential directive to implement the President’s decisions arising from the panel’s findings, which included directives concerning the procurement functions and other NSITF activities during the period under investigation,” the EFCC said. 

The witness testified that the order came from the president, not from Mr Ngige.

Mr Ngige’s charges arose from allegations relating to the award of contracts during his tenure as Minister of Labour and Employment and his supervision of the NSITF.  

The judge adjourned the matter until February 9, 10 and 11, 2027, to continue the trial.