N2.6bn FRAUD: Court throws out Akpobolokemi’s no-case submission, gives him Oct 30 to open defence

A no-case submission filed by former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, Patrick Akpobolokemi, was on Monday sacked by the Federal High Court in Lagos.

Akpobolokemi and five others accused along with him of involvement in a N2..6 billion alleged fraud had filed a no-case submission before Justice Ibrahim Buba, but the judge threw out their prayer for lacking in merit.

According to the presiding judge, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission had established a prima facie case against Akpobolokemi and his co-defendants.

He therefore dismissed their prayer and adjourned the matter till October 30, by which time Akpobolokemi and his co-defendants should open their defence.

READ ALSO: $5.5bn LOAN: APC knocks PDP for saying Buhari pushing Nigeria into ‘black hole of debt’

Akpobolokemi was arraigned alongside five others in December 2015 for allegedly diverting N2.6 billion from the coffers of NIMASA between December 2013 , and May 2015 .

The EFCC is claiming that the funds were approved by ex- President Goodluck Jonathan to use and start a security project christened “International Ship and Ports Security Code in Nigeria Ports.”

Others being tried along with Akpobolokemi are Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan, Blockz and Stonz Limited and Al – Kenzo Logistic Limited.

 

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