The Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC) on Friday filed fresh charges against Patrick Akpobolokemi,
former Director-General (DG), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety
Agency (NIMASA) and six others before an Ikeja High Court, Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
reports that Akpobolokemi s charged alongside Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche,
Governor Juan, Vincent Udoye, Adegboyega Olopoenia and a company, Gama Marine
Nigeria Ltd.
They were initially charged with
13-count charge bordering on stealing and fraud over alleged theft of N754.8
million belonging to the agency.
In the old 13-count charge, the
defendants were alleged to have, between Oct. 30, 2014 and May 6, 2015,
converted N754.8 million belonging to NIMASA to their personal use.
The funds were allegedly released
to the defendants for the implementation of Voluntary International Maritime
Organisation Member State Audit Scheme (VIMSAS).
The EFCC also alleged that the
defendants knowingly forged a document titled, “Re: Request for Payment as
consultant for VIMSAS Administration Services”, dated May 25, 2015 purported to
have been issued by Arrow World Consulting Ltd.
The offences were said to have
contravened the provisions of Sections 285 and 409 of the Criminal Code Laws of
Lagos State 2011.
Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, EFCC lead
counsel, informed the court that the anti-graft agency had filed fresh charges
against the defendants, noting that they should be re-arraigned and have their
plea taken.
The EFCC, however, did not reveal details of
the fresh charges.
The defence counsel to Agaba, Mr
E. D. Onyeke, however, requested for more time to examine the new charges and
to advice his client accordingly.
“The prosecution has not afforded
us the opportunity to view the list of new prosecution witnesses, who,
somewhere along the line, will come here to give evidence. I need to be well
informed.
“I request that we be given time
to look at the amended charge, so that I will advise my client and the
defendants will take their plea,” said Onyeke.
Agreeing with Onyeke’s
submission, Oyedepo said, “My lord, he should be given time. it is in the
interest of justice. The application of the defence is meritorious.
“When we come back on Monday the
defendants will be arraigned, their plea taken and we will proceed with trial.”
Acceding to the requests of the
prosecuting and defence counsel, Justice Raliatu Adebiyi adjourned the case
until Nov. 5 for re-arraignment and continuation of trial.
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