A prosecution witness Thursday said a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, was not aware of the N455m contract award allegation.

Lawal was in February 2019 arraigned on 10-count charges before an FCT High Court over a grass-cutting contract awarded to a company linked to him, Rholavision Engineering Ltd and Josmon Technologies Ltd by the Presidential Initiative for the North East.

The witness, Julius Sunday Babalola, head of procurement in the Office of the SGF, yesterday said the ministerial tenders board for the PINE was solely responsible for the award of the contract.

He said Lawal was not a member of the board and did not participate in any stage of award of the jobs.

He said 18 firms were awarded contracts for removal of evasive weeds during the tender while he was not aware of the prosecution of the 16 other firms except the two where the minister’s brother have interest

Justice Charles Agbaza adjourned the case to November 3 and 10 for hearing.