Court sets Dec. 8 for trial of Nicholas Mutu in alleged ₦320m NDDC fraud
A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has fixed December 8 for the continuation of the trial of Nicholas Mutu, a serving member of the House of Representatives, who is facing charges of alleged ₦320 million fraud involving the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
Mutu, who previously chaired the House Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), is standing trial alongside Airworld Technologies Limited and Oyien Homes on a 13-count charge bordering on money laundering and gratification.
The charges were brought against them by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which accuses the defendants of receiving illegal financial benefits while overseeing NDDC activities.
At Thursday’s proceedings, counsel to Mutu, P.I.N. Egwuatu, informed the court that although the matter had been scheduled for the continuation of the defence witness’s testimony, the defence team had opted to rely on the testimonies already given and close its defence.
Egwuatu also told the court that he had a scheduled medical appointment and therefore requested at least 30 days to prepare and file his written address.
Presiding judge, F. Giwa-Ogunbanjo, granted both the prosecution and the defence 30 days each to file their written addresses, and an additional 10 days to file replies if necessary.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to December 8, 2025, for the adoption of the written addresses by both parties.
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The case against Mutu and his co-defendants stems from allegations that, during his tenure as chairman of the NDDC oversight committee, he received various monetary benefits amounting to ₦320 million through the two companies in contravention of the law.
The EFCC maintains that such actions constitute abuse of office and contravene sections of the Money Laundering (Prohibition) Act and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act.
Dele Oyewale, EFCC spokesperson, confirmed the adjournment in a statement issued on Thursday, reiterating the Commission’s commitment to pursuing the case to its logical conclusion.
