The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday re-arraigned former director-general of Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) Patrick Ziadeke Akpobolokemi and five others on a fresh N2.6 billion theft charge before a Federal High Court in Lagos.
EFCC on Thursday arraigned the accused persons before Justice Saliu Saidu of the same court in Lagos.
Meanwhile, in the fresh charge before Justice Ibrahim Buba, the former NIMASA DG alongside Captain Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan and two companies – Blockz and Stonez Ltd and Al-Kenzo Logistic Ltd were alleged to have converted for private use N2.6 bn belonging to NIMASA.
The prosecution alleged that in or about February 2014 in Lagos, the accused persons conspired among themselves to convert the N437,726,666.60 belonging to NIMASA.
They were alleged to have on January 9, 2014 converted to their private use N66,800.000, property of NIMASA.
The accused were further alleged to have between April and August, 2014 converted to their own use, additional N21,802,000 and N53,749,000.00 as well.
All the accused pleaded not guilty to the offences.
In his application, counsel to Akpobolokemi, Dr. Joseph Nwobike (SAN), prayed the court not to impose stringent bail conditions.
Counsel to the other accused persons, aligning with the submissions of Nwobike, also urged the court to exercise its discretion judicially and judiciously.
The EFCC lawyer said bail was at the discretion of the court, but stressed the need for the verification of all documents, addresses and names presented by the accused.
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.
-Vanguard
