N2.6bn Fraud: How Ex-NIMASA Boss, Acquired a Bulletproof Car

An operative of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Orji Chukwuma, yesterday tendered documents before a Federal High Court in Lagos showing how a former Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Patrick Akpobolokemi acquired a bulletproof car for his personal use.

Chukwuma, who is the last prosecution witness stated this in the ongoing trial of Akpobolokemi and five others for allegedly defrauding NIMASA to the tune of N2.6 billion between March and June 2014.

Akpobolokemi was arraigned alongside, Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan, Blockz and Stonz Ltd. and Al-Kenzo Logistics Ltd. before Justice Ibrahim Buba on December 4, 2015.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the offence.

When the case came for hearing yesterday, Chukwuma also tender another document from an estate surveyor showing how Akopolokemi paid for his rented apartment situated on Ondo Street, Banana Island, Lagos.

Led in evidence by EFCC lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, the witness (Chukwuma) said "the first defendant (Akpobolokemi) brought a document to us in relation to how he paid for his rented apartment on Ondo Street, Banana Island, Lagos. He also attached a document from an estate surveyor on payments of his house rent.

He further told the court that Akpobolokemi also submitted to the commission a receipt for the purchase of a bulletproofed car.

Consequently, EFCC lawyer tendered the documents and urged the court to mark them as exhibits.

But, M Ajuwa, counsel to Akpobolokemi objected to the admissibility of the documents on the grounds that he was not served with the documents.

He argued that the documents sought to be tendered ought to have been front-loaded in line with section 379 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

Ruling on the objection, the trial judge, Justice Ibrahim Buba held that "it is sacrosanct that every accused person shall be given opportunity to defend himself and must be served with necessary documents including documents he (accused) submitted to the EFCC".

Justice Buba subsequently adjourned the case till October 26 for continuation of trial.

EFCC had alleged that Akpobolokemi and others converted for private use the sum of N2.6billion belonging to NIMASA.