The trial of Patrick Akpobolokemi, a former Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, who is being prosecuted for a N754 million fraud, continued on Monday 19, 2018 before Justice Raliat Adebiyi of State High Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos , with a prosecution witness, Chukwuma  Orji, revealing how the former NIMASA  boss failed to execute contracts budgeted for by the Agency.

Patrick Akpobolokemi is facing trial alongside Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan, Vincent Udoye, Adegboyega Olopoenia and a company, Gama Marine Nigeria Limited, on a 13-count charge bordering  on diversion  of funds to the tune of N754million.
 
While under cross- examination by the defence,  Orji, an investigator with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission,  EFCC,  told the court that the Vimsat Committee under NIMASA did not execute the contracts  that were budgeted and paid for by NIMASA.

In his further testimony,  he said  Committee members diverted the funds to their personal use.

Orji also told the court that during investigation of the Vimsat Committee, it was revealed  that  there were items in the contracts and the terms of the approved budget, which included training and re-training of 6,000 seafarers, purchase of Global Maritime Distress and Safety Access, GMD,  purchase of communication gadgets and other related equipment and as well as their  maintainance.

The investigator,who informed the court  that an audit query was issued to Akpobolokemi by NIMASA ,which he acted upon, further stated that money was paid into the account of Arrow World Consulting Company from the account of Vimsat Committee and subsequently  diverted to individuals' accounts for personal use.

Justice Adebiyi adjourned the case to February 22, 23 and 27, 2018 for continuation of trial.
                       

Media and Publicity
20 February, 2018