Dr Patrick Ziadeke Akpobolokemi, ex-NIMASA DG

Akin Kuponiyi

Former commander of Niger Delta joint task force, Major General Emmanuel Atewe,who is still a serving officer of the Nigerian Army, former Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Ziakede Akpobolokemi and two others alleged to have swindled NIMASA to the tune of N19.7Billion were yesterday arraigned before a Federal high court in Lagos south west Nigeria.

In an eleven count criminal charge number FHC/L/217/16 filled before the court by the EFCC prosecuting counsel, Rotimi Oyedepo Iseoluwa, it was alleged that Patrick Ziadeke Akpolobokemi,. Major General Emmanuel Atewe, Kime Engozu and Joshepine Otuaga between 5th of September, 2014 and 22nd of May, 2015 conspired together to steal and converted the sum of N19. 8 billion of of NIMASA.

The money was alleged to have been stolen and converted through the following companies: Jagan trading company Ltd, Jagan Global Sevicies Ltd, Al-Nald Ltd, Eastpoint integrated Services Ltd, and De -newlink integrated services Limited.

The offences alleged to have been committed by the accused persons are contrary to and punishable under sections 18(a),15(1) (3), money laundering Act, 2012, section 390 of the Criminal Code Act Cap 38, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

All the accused persons pleaded not guilty to all the charges preferred against them.

Consequently the EFCC Prosecutor Rotimi Oyedepo urged the court to adjourn for accelerated trial.

However Mr Mike Ozekhome leading seven other lawyers told the court that there is bail application for the accused persons pending before the court, thereafter while arguing the bail application he urged the court to admit the accused persons to bail since the accused persons are presume innocent until found guilty.

In his ruling, the presiding judge Saliu Saidu, admitted the accused persons to bail in the sum of N100 million each with two sureties in like sum. One of the sureties should be a blood relation of the accused persons while the other surety should be Deputy Director in the Federal ministry or state ministry. The accused persons must also deposit their international passports with the Deputy Chief Registrar of the court.

However, Patrick Akpobolokemi, who is having other criminal cases in court who is already on bail in all the cases was ordered to file another bail bond form.

Thereafter, Justice Saidu adjourned till 21st of June for the trial of the accused persons to commence.

-The author of this story Akin Kuponiyi can be reached at [email protected]