Court sets March 23 for judgment in N320m Nicholas Mutu fraud trial

The Federal High Court in Abuja has scheduled March 23, 2026, for the delivery of judgment in the trial of Nicholas Mutu, a serving member of the House of Representatives, who is facing allegations of fraud involving N320 million.

Justice F. Giwa Ogunbanjo made the announcement on Monday, February 9, 2026, during proceedings in the case brought by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) against Mutu, Airworld Technologies Ltd, and Oyien Homes. The defendants are facing 13-count charges of money laundering and gratification.

During Monday’s hearing, the defence counsel, E. I. Ekweto, SAN, urged the court to strike out the case and acquit the defendants, referencing a motion filed on December 10, 2035.

In response, EFCC counsel, Ekele Iheanacho, SAN, argued that the prosecution had proven its case with testimonies from four witnesses and documentary evidence showing that the funds involved were proceeds of illegal activities. Iheanacho stressed that the payments were made as gratifications and not related to any legitimate contracts, and highlighted attempts by the defendants to prepare documents to pervert the course of justice.

“The testimonies of the witnesses pointed to the fact that these monies were paid as gratifications… Witnesses whose testimonies were not contradicted and uncontroverted show that there is no way that their evidence can’t be believed,” Iheanacho said.

Justice Ogunbanjo adjourned the matter to March 23, 2026, for the delivery of judgment.

The EFCC had filed the case to prosecute Mutu and the companies for allegedly diverting public funds and engaging in unlawful financial activities.