The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Maitama has ordered a hearing notice for the resumption of trial of Amobi Ogah, a member of the House of Representatives. Ogah, representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency in Abia State, faces a five-count charge for allegedly making false declarations in an affidavit filed in court. The charges were preferred by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi.
According to the charges, Ogah allegedly made a false declaration in an affidavit dated May 18, 2023, at the registry of the FCT High Court, Abuja. The affidavit was filed against Hon. Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha, then Minister of State for Labour and Employment. Ogah allegedly claimed that Onyejeocha had told her supporters that she had "bought over" the tribunal judges. The charge stated that Ogah knew the allegation was false, thereby committing an offence.
The defendant was also accused of making another false and defamatory declaration in the same affidavit. Ogah allegedly claimed that Onyejeocha had influenced the removal of the former chairman of the panel, Hon. Justice Halilu, to pave the way for Hon. Justice Halima Saleeman. The prosecution alleged that the statement was false and constituted an offence.
The court, presided over by Justice Yusuf Halilu, initially remanded Ogah in prison custody. The defendant had pleaded not guilty to the allegations. The charge marked CR/650/2024 specifically accused Ogah of offences bordering on alleged criminal defamation and false declaration.
One of the counts in the charge read: "That you, Hon. Amobi Godwin Ogah, male, 44 years, a member representing Isuikwuato/Umunneochi Federal Constituency of Abia State, sometime in May 2023, within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court in the FCT, Abuja, committed an offence by making a false declaration against Hon. Nkeiruka Chidubem Onyejeocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Federal Republic of Nigeria, with intent to destroy her reputation."
The trial is set to continue on October 6, 2026, as fixed by the court. If convicted, Ogah may face punishment under Section 158(2) of the Penal Code, Cap. 89, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 1963. The case has garnered attention due to the nature of the allegations and the position of the defendant as a member of the House of Representatives.
The case highlights the efforts of the Nigerian justice system to uphold the law and hold public officials accountable for their actions. As the trial approaches, stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the case unfolds and what implications it may have for the country's governance and accountability landscape.
Key points
- The trial of Rep. Amobi Ogah is set to continue on October 6, 2026.
- Ogah faces charges of making false declarations against a former minister.
- The case highlights the efforts of the Nigerian justice system to uphold the law and hold public officials accountable.
