EFCC arraigns ex-JTF commander, Akpobolokemi for N8bn fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, Friday, arraigned former Commander of the Joint Task Force, Operation Pulo Shield, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Atewe and former Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, over an alleged fraud of N8 billion.

Maj Gen Atewe who is currently serving in TRADOC, Minna, Niger State as Director of Doctrinal and Combat was accused of conspiring with Akpobolokemi and others to defraud NIMASA of the sum.

One Kime Engozu and Josephine Otuga were also named in the charge.

The EFCC, in the charge, said NIMASA, under Akpobolokemi, approved billions of naira to several military personnel, who were purportedly engaged to patrol the creeks to prevent pipeline vandalism and illegal bunkering. The funds were allegedly diverted to private accounts through fraudulent means.

According to the ECC, the accused persons used six companies – Jagan Limited, Jagan Trading Company Limited, Jagan Global Services Limited, Al-Nald Limited, Paper Warehouse Limited, Eastpoint Integrated Services Limited and De-Newlink Integrated Services Limited to move the money.

They pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Defence counsel including Chief Mike Ozekhome (SAN) urged the court to grant the defendants bail.

The current charge is the sixth the EFCC will be bringing against Akpobolokemi.

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