By Abuja, Nigeria— The trial of former Minister of Labour and ex-Governor of Anambra State, Chris Ngige, continued on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Gwarimpa.
The first prosecution witness, Pedro Torwuese Chellen, told the court that a contract for work at the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) office in Makurdi was awarded to a company that did not participate in the official bidding process.
Chellen, a project manager with Imanil Haq Nigeria Limited, said his company applied for the contract after it was advertised but was unsuccessful. He said he later petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after discovering irregularities in how the contract was awarded.
The documents relating to his complaint were presented in court and admitted as evidence.
The witness also stated that the Bureau of Public Procurement indicated that the company awarded the contract had not competed in the bidding process. During cross examination, Chellen added that the project description and contract amount were later changed by the management of NSITF.
The case is part of allegations involving Ngige’s tenure as Minister of Labour, under whose ministry the NSITF operates.
Justice M.A. Hassan adjourned the matter until January 29, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
