Society Gists

A witness, Orji Chukwuma, on Wednesday, told a Federal High Court, Lagos, that former Director General of NIMASA, Patrick Akpobolokemi, paid N40m to secure rent in Banana Island.

Chukwuma, the 11th witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, gave the testimony at the resumed trial of Akpobolokemi, a former boss of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency.

He is charged alongside five others on a 22-count charge bordering on N2.6 billion conversion and theft.

Others charged are Captain Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche and Governor Juan as well as Blockz and Stonz Ltd, Kenzo Logistics Ltd and Al-Kenzo Logistic Ltd.

These were admitted and marked as exhibits P63, 64, and 65.

He informed the court presided by Justice Ibrahim Buba that Akpolobokemi paid N40 million in three tranches of N12m, N14m and N14m, representing two years rent in Banana island.

The witness also told the court that the former Director-general also paid cash of N38.5m to Vision Motors, for the Toyota Landcruiser Jeep Bullet Proof.

The witness said that this was done between November 11, 2011, and June 19, 2013.

He said that the Agency’s investigation, revealed that the accused received cash sums in dollars which were revealed to be proceeds of crime, adding that same was used In acquiring the said properties.

Buba adjourned the case till Nov. 26 and Nov. 29 for continuation of trial.

In th charge, the accused were alleged to have converted to their use, N2.6 billion between Dec. 23, 2013 and May 28, 2015.

The offences contravened sections 15 (1), 15 (3), and 18 (a) of the Money Laundering Prohibition Act, 2012.

(NAN)