The EFCC has successfully arraigned former NIMISA boss and 7 others over an alleged case of embezzlement amounting to billions of naira.
Patrick Akpolobokemi
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Thursday, arraigned the immediate past managing director of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpolobokemi, before a Lagos Federal High Court on 30-count charge of conversion of the sum of N3.7 billion, according to the Nigerian Tribune.
Others charged with the former NIMASA boss are Captain Ezekiel Bala Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Felix Bob-Nabena, Captain Warredi Enisouh, Governor Amechee Juan, Ugo Frederick and Timi Alari.
Also charged with the accused persons are two limited liability companies, Al-kenzo Limited and Penniel Engineering Services Limited. The EFCC, in a charge number FHC/L/496c/15, alleged that Akpolobokemi and other accused persons had, on or before December 20, 2013, conspired among themselves to steal the said sum.
The accused persons pleaded not guilty to all the charges. Upon the plea of the accused persons, Oyedepo urged the court to remand them in prisons pending the determination of the the charges. However, Dr. Joseph Nwobike (SAN), counsel to the Akpolobokemi and the fourth accused person, Felix Bob-Nabena, urged the court to grant bail to his clients in self-recognition.
Nwobike said the accused persons bail application was pursuant to sections 32 (1)(2), 158 and 165 of Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, 2015; and Section 35 of Nigeria constitution, 1999.
Nwobike further said the applications are supported and deposed to by one Felix Deckon and the fourth accused person.
He also urged the court not to make an order allowing the EFCC to verify the bail conditions. He said by granting the EFCC to verify the bail conditions, his clients may be in remand for longer period. Also, the second, third, fifth sixth seventh, eighth, ninth and tenth accused persons, through their various lawyers, aligned themselves with the submission of Nwobike on their bail applications. Ruling on the bail applications, Justice Salisu Saidu admitted bail to Akpolobokemi in the sum of N100 million with two sureties in like sum.
One of the sureties, according to the judge, must be blood relation to the accused, with landed property in Ikoyi, Lekki or Victoria Island of Lagos State, while the second surety must be a director in either federal or state civil service.
Justice Saidu also ordered him to deposit his international passport with the court's Deputy Registrar. Other accused persons were admitted to bail in the sum of N50 million with two sureties each.
He, thereafter, adjourned the case till January 29.