By Akin Kuponiyi
The Federal High Court Sitting in Lagos has ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has established a ‘prima facie case’ against Mr Patrick Akpobolokemi, a Former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA.
Presiding Justice Ibrahim Buba held that the former DG and five other persons standing trial with him, have a case to answer.
The court overruled their ‘no case submission’ for lack of merit and ordered them to open their defence on the 30th and 31st of Oct.
In Dec. 4, 2015, the EFCC had arraigned Mr. Akpobolokemi alongside five others, for allegedly diverting N2.6 billion from the coffers of NIMASA between December 2013 and May 2015.
The commission claimed that the funds were approved by former President Goodluck Jonathan for the implementation of a security project.
The five other persons who allegedly conspired with Mr Akpobolokemi to divert the monies are Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan, Blockz & Stonz Ltd and Al-Kenzo Logistic Ltd.
Details later