The case against former Minister of Labour, Employment and Productivity, Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige, continued at the Federal High Court, Abuja, with a prosecution witness from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, testifying. Dr. Maduka Onwusoro, a former Director of Procurement from 2019-2023, appeared under cross-examination by Ngige's defence counsel, Patrick Ikwueto, SAN. The charges relate to allegations of corruption and favouritism in awarding contracts during Ngige's tenure as Minister of Labour and Employment.
Dr. Onwusoro stated that as Head of Procurement, he only heard about a presidential approval for contract awards but did not see the approval. He claimed to have been carrying out directives from the minister, routed through the Permanent Secretary, on NSITF matters. When presented with a letter he authored, directing the Managing Director of NSITF to send procurement activities to his office, Onwusoro said he was following the Permanent Secretary's directives. However, he could not recall the name of the then Permanent Secretary.
The witness was also presented with an internal memo from the Minister to the Permanent Secretary, forwarding presidential approvals under a "secret" cover. Onwusoro claimed he had never seen the memo but was directed orally by the Permanent Secretary. When pointed out that he was a member of the Presidential panel investigating procurement breaches in the NSITF, Onwusoro admitted to being a member but not the Chairman. He agreed that the panel recommended removing procurement from NSITF into the Ministry.
Dr. Onwusoro was shown a letter from the Chief of Staff to the President, conveying approval for the panel's recommendation. He claimed to have seen it for the first time but agreed that the approval was based on their recommendation. The defence counsel questioned why Onwusoro, as a seasoned public servant, did not enquire from the Permanent Secretary's office about the approvals. Onwusoro replied that he did not know he could do that.
The court admitted three presidential approvals, dated June 24, 2021, and March 8, 2021, as well as the internal memo, as exhibits in evidence. The prosecution witness's testimony is crucial to the case, which alleges corruption and favouritism in the award of contracts during Ngige's tenure. The case has been adjourned to February 9, 2027.
The allegations against Ngige relate to his supervision of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF. The EFCC is investigating the award of contracts during his tenure as Minister of Labour and Employment. The case has generated significant interest, given the high-profile nature of the accused and the allegations involved.
The court proceedings will continue on February 9, 2027, with further testimony expected from the prosecution witness. The defence team is expected to present their case, and the court will ultimately determine whether Ngige is guilty of the allegations.
Key points
- Dr. Maduka Onwusoro, a former Director of Procurement, testified as a prosecution witness in the case against former Minister of Labour, Dr. Chris Nwabueze Ngige.
