EFCC opens N2.6bn lawsuit against ex-NIMASA boss

Former Director-General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, has been re-arraigned by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, over a N2.6bn theft allegation.

According to reports, Akpobolemi was re-arraigned on Friday, November 4, 2015 alongside five others namely Captain Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan and two companies; Blockz and Stonez limited and Al-Kenzo Logistic Limited on a fresh 22-counts charge before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.

Read:Ex-NIMASA boss likely to appear in court

In the fresh charge, the ex-NIMASA boss and other defendants were alleged to have converted the sum of N2.6 billion belonging to NIMASA for private use.

The case, which is before Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court in Lagos, has seen the defendants pleading not guilty.

While the case was adjourned till Monday, December 7, 2015, the offences of the accused allegedly contravened Section 18 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prohibition/Amendment) Act of 2012 and punishable under Section 15 (3).

Furthermore, Akpobolokemi's counsel, Dr. Joseph Nwobike SAN, prayed the court not to impose stringent bail conditions but the EFCC lawyer insisted that though bail was at the discretion of the court, it should verify all documents, addresses and names presented by the accused.

It will be recalled that the EFCC had on Thursday, December 3, 2015, arraigned the accused persons before Justice Saliu Saidu of the same court in Lagos.