Connect with us

News

Ngige’s Alleged N2.2b Fraud: Court To Rule On Admissibility Of Defence Documents October14

Published

on

Court

Ngige’s Alleged N2.2b Fraud: Court To Rule On Admissibility Of Defence Documents October14

The trial of a former Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige continued on Thursday, July 2, 2026, before Justice M.A. Hassan of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, High Court, Gwarimpa, Abuja, with the cross-examination of the Third Prosecution Witness, PW3, Onwusoro Maduka Iheamelam by defence counsel, P.I.N. Ikwueto, SAN.
Eereporter.com

The court deferred ruling on the admissibility of defence team’s documents till October 14 and November 11 and 12, 2026.

Ngige is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on eight-count charge bordering on abuse of office and fraudulent contract award to the tune of N2,261,722,535.84 (Two Billion, Two Hundred and Sixty-one Million, Seven Hundred and Twenty-two Thousand, Five Hundred and Thirty-five Naira, Eighty-four Kobo).

In the course of the cross-examination on Thursday, the prosecution witness requested for the documents referred to by the defence counsel to refresh his memory as the events took place in 2021 and 2022. Ikwueto sought to tender the documents but was opposed by prosecution counsel, Sylvanu Tahir, SAN, on the ground that they were not certified true copies.

In advancing his objection to the admissibility of the documents, Tahir relied on Section 104 of the Evidence Act of 2011. He said, “My lord, the basis of our objection with respect to the documents sought to be tendered is that they violently offend the provision of Section 104 of the Evidence Act 2011.”

The witness also disclosed that he had only perused the documents referred to by the defence counsel and stated that he was a member of the panel that investigated the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund NSITF and submitted recommendations.

During the cross-examination, he also told the court that he was not a member of the Parastatals Tenders Board, PTB and also not its Secretary and disclosed that although that there were no overt extraneous interference in the work of the panel that investigated the NSITF, there may have been some interferences behind the scene.

Court

Court

When asked if he had heard of Zitacom Nigeria Limited and Shale Atlantic Intercontinental Services Limited, he answered in the affirmative and confirmed that the two companies were awarded contracts in the NSITF.

Justice Hassan Adjourned the matter till October 14 and November 11 and 12, 2026 for ruling on the admissibility of the defence documents and continuation of the cross-examination.
Eereporter.com

News

IGP Disu Visits Enugu, Reaffirms Commitment To Science-Drive Policing, Charges Officers On Professionalism

Published

on

By

IGP Disu Visits Enugu

IGP Disu Visits Enugu, Reaffirms Commitment To Science-Drive Policing, Charges Officers On Professionalism

The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, psc(+), NPM, has reaffirmed the Nigeria Police Force’s commitment to advancing intelligence-led, technology-driven, and evidence-based policing during a working visit to Enugu State.
Eereporter.com

As part of the visit, the IGP participated in the commissioning of the Centre for DNA Forensics, Criminal Investigation and Biotechnology (DeFOCI), where he described the facility as a strategic national asset that will strengthen criminal investigations, enhance the administration of justice, and support the adoption of scientific methods in modern policing.

The IGP commended the Executive Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, Godfrey Okoye University, the DNA Learning Center, and all partners whose collaboration led to the establishment of the Centre. He noted that the facility would provide valuable opportunities for forensic research, capacity building, and institutional collaboration, while supporting investigations into serious crimes including homicide, kidnapping, terrorism, armed robbery, cybercrime, human trafficking, and sexual offences.

Addressing officers of the Enugu State Police Command, the Inspector-General commended their dedication and sacrifices in maintaining peace and security across the State. He charged personnel to remain vigilant, strengthen intelligence gathering, embrace continuous professional development, and uphold the highest standards of discipline, integrity, and respect for human rights in the discharge of their duties.

The IGP further reassured officers that the Force would continually prioritize personnel welfare, training, operational capacity, and modern policing equipment, while maintaining zero tolerance for corruption, misconduct, abuse of office, and all forms of unethical conduct capable of undermining public confidence in the Nigeria Police Force.

IGP Disu Visits Enugu

IGP Disu Visits Enugu

The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to strengthening forensic capabilities, deepening institutional partnerships to ensure policing capabilities are consistent with the evolving security needs of the nation.

CSP ANIETIE OKOKON EDEM INIEDU ANIPR, FORCE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER. FORCE HEADQUARTERS, ABUJA, 5TH JULY, 2026
Eereporter.com

Continue Reading

News

Tinubu Flags Off Strategic North-East Road Projects To Enhance Security, Trade, And Regional Integration

Published

on

By

Tinubu Tells Umahi

Tinubu Flags Off Strategic North-East Road Projects To Enhance Security, Trade, And Regional Integration

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has officially flagged off the rehabilitation of the Bama – Banki and the Dikwa – Gamboru Ngala Roads, describing them as strategic investments to restore critical infrastructure, enhance security, and drive economic growth in the North-East. Represented at the ceremony by the Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, GCON, the President said the projects reflect his administration’s campaign promise to rebuild vital infrastructure that will improve connectivity, strengthen regional integration, and promote sustainable development.
Eereporter.com

The two contracts are awarded to Dangote Industries (Nig.) Ltd. under the Infrastructure Tax Credit Scheme, while the subcontractor is Dantata & Sawoe (Nig.) Limited.

President Tinubu noted that the strategic road corridors would improve access to neighbouring Cameroon and the Republic of Chad, creating new opportunities for trans-Saharan trade and expanding cross-border commerce. He stressed that the projects would not only facilitate the movement of people, goods, and services but also improve security and support the socio-economic recovery of communities affected by insurgency. He called on all stakeholders to work closely with the people of the North East to ensure the successful execution of the projects, while assuring Nigerians that his administration would continue to invest in infrastructure that stimulates economic growth and national development.

The Honourable Minister of Works, Engr. Sen. David Umahi, CON, FNSE, FNATE, described the commencement of the projects as another pointer to the Federal Government’s infrastructure renewal drive. He explained that the roads are part of the administration’s four legacy infrastructure projects, spread across the six geopolitical zones, and are designed to improve regional connectivity, reduce travel time, facilitate trade, and strengthen economic integration with neighbouring countries.

Also speaking, the Honourable Minister of State for Works, Bello Muhammad Goronyo, Esq., highlighted the enormous economic, security, healthcare, and tourism benefits of the projects. According to him, the roads are more than transportation infrastructure; they are strategic investments that will promote regional integration, improve livelihoods, and enhance the quality of life of the people. He commended President Tinubu for his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to transforming Nigeria through sustained infrastructure development.

In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works, Senator Allwell Heacho Onyesoh, and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Works, Hon. Akin Alabi, applauded the strong collaboration between the National Assembly and the Federal Ministry of Works. They described the projects as a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive infrastructure development and pledged the continued legislative support of the National Assembly towards their successful completion.

President/CEO of the Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, GCON, described the Federal Government’s Tax Credit Scheme as a transformative initiative for financing critical infrastructure. He disclosed that the Dangote Group is currently executing 12 road projects valued at about ₦3 trillion under the scheme and reaffirmed the company’s readiness to undertake additional projects in support of national development. He noted that quality roads and bridges stimulate economic activities, attract investment, and promote national prosperity. Dangote also commended the leadership of the Minister, describing him as “a conqueror” for his dedication and outstanding commitment to infrastructure delivery.

The Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, CON, described the projects as strategically important to the economic recovery and security of the North East. He said the roads would strengthen commercial and social ties with Cameroon and the Chad Republics, while improving peace, security, and economic activities across the region. Governor Zulum expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for his continued support for Borno State and the entire Zone.

Speaking on behalf of the Borno State Council of Traditional Rulers, comprising the Emirates of Borno, Biu, Dikwa, and Gwoza, the Chairman of the Council, His Royal Highness Alhaji (Dr.) Abubakar Ibn Umar Garbai Al-Amin El-Kanemi, represented by the Shehu of Dikwa, welcomed the initiative. He expressed confidence that the projects would deliver lasting socio-economic benefits to the affected communities and assured the Federal Government of the traditional institution’s full support throughout the implementation process.

Tinubu Tells Umahi

Umahi, Tinubu

The flag-off of the Bama–Banki and Dikwa–Gamboru Ngala Roads’ rehabilitation projects underscores the Administration’s commitment to renewing critical infrastructure, strengthening national security, expanding regional trade, and accelerating economic transformation.

Upon completion, the roads are expected to improve mobility, facilitate cross-border commerce, attract investment, and unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth and prosperity across the North East and Nigeria as a whole.

Mohammed A. Ahmed,
Director, Information and Public Relations.
5 July, 2026.
Eereporter.com

Continue Reading

News

NAF Joins Multi-Agency Sanitation Drive To Safeguard Lives And Strengthen Community Resilience

Published

on

By

NAF Joins Multi-Agency

NAF Joins Multi-Agency Sanitation Drive To Safeguard Lives And Strengthen Community Resilience

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), through its component of Operation MESA, has reinforced its commitment to civil-military relations by supporting the Lagos State Government’s environmental sanitation enforcement exercise aimed at reducing flood risks and protecting lives and property.
Eereporter.com

Conducted from 29 June to 2 July 2026, the operation brought together the Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Lagos State Environmental Sanitation Corps (LAGESC), Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps, the Nigeria Police Force and the NAF to clear illegal structures obstructing drainage channels along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, covering Alaba Market, Mile 2, Ojo and the Trade Fair axis.

The intervention followed recent heavy rainfall and flooding that disrupted businesses and damaged properties across parts of Lagos.

NAF Joins Multi-Agency

NAF Joins Multi-Agency to

By partnering with relevant state agencies to promote environmental safety and disaster prevention, the NAF continues to demonstrate that its service to the nation extends beyond air operations, supporting initiatives that enhance public safety, strengthen community resilience and foster enduring civil-military cooperation.
Eereporter.com

Continue Reading

Trending