Alleged N136m fraud: Judge’s absence stalls trial of ex-NIMASA D-G

The absence of Justice Mojisola Olatoregun on Wednesday stalled continuation of trial at a Federal High Court, Lagos, of a former Acting Director-General of NIMASA, Calistus Obi, charged with N136 million fraud.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had slammed an eight-count charge on Obi, who was a former Executive Director, and later, acting D-G of the agency.

He was charged alongside Alu Dismas, who was aide to a former D-G of NIMASA, Patrick Akpobolokemi.

They pleaded not guilty to the charges and were admitted to bail in the sum of N5 million each with sureties each in like sum.

At the last adjournment on Feb. 26, the defence had called on the first accused (Obi) to give evidence in the case as a defence witness.

After his evidence, the EFCC Prosecutor, Mr Rotimi Oyedepo, had commenced cross-examination of the defence witness before the court adjourned for continuation of trial.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the EFCC had closed its case on Jan. 31, 2017, while the defence filed a no-case submission.

The court, however, dismissed the no-case submission on Feb. 21, 2017, and ordered the defence to open its case.

The accused were alleged to have committed the offences on Aug. 5, 2014.

According to the EFCC, they conspired to convert the money, property of NIMASA, knowing full well that the money was proceeds of stealing.

The offences contravened Sections 15 and 18(a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibitions) (Amendment) Act, 2012.

Continuation of trial has been fixed for March 8.