The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), yesterday, re-arraigned former Director-General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi and five others on a fresh 22-counts N2.6 billion theft charged before Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court sitting in Lagos.
The EFCC had on Thursday arraigned the accused persons before Justice Saliu Saidu of the same court in Lagos.
The former NIMASA DG alongside Captain Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan and two companies; Blockz and Stonez limited and Al-Kenzo Logistic Limited were alleged to have converted for private use the sum of N2.6 bn belonging to NIMASA.
The prosecution alleged that on January 9, 2014 converted to their private use the sum of N66,800.000 property of NIMASA and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 15 (3)of the Money Laundering Act, 2012.
They alleged that on or about February 2014 in Lagos, the accused persons conspired among themselves to convert the sum of N437,726,666.60 belonging to NIMASA.
The accused were further alleged to have between April and August, 2014 converted to their own use, the sum of N21,802,000 and additional N53,749,000.00 respectively.
When the charge was read to them, they all pleaded not guilty to the offences.
Justice Buba in a short ruling, said that it was in the interest of justice to grant the accused persons bail in order for them to defend themselves. The matter has been adjourned till December 7, for trial.
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