I gave ex-NIMASA DG Akpobolokemi $15m cash withdrawn from agency’s account – EFCC witness:

Patrick Akpobolokemi

A witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has narrated how he personally delivered $15 million in cash to Patrick Akpobolokemi, former director-general of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

The witness, who identified himself as Ezekiel Bala-Agaba, a former executive director of maritime safety, shipping development and marine operations at NIMASA, testified at the federal high court in Lagos.

The witness was initially a defendant in the case but later opted to testify for the prosecution

THE CASE

Akpobolokemi was appointed as NIMASA DG in 2010 by former President Muhammadu Buhari. He was sacked by Buhari in 2015.

In December 2015, the EFCC arraigned Akpobolokemi and seven others on a 30-count charge bordering on conspiracy, fraudulent conversion of funds and money laundering.

Other defendants are Warredi Enisuoh, Governor Juan, Ugo Frederick, Timi Alari, Alkenzo Limited and Penniel Engineering Services Limited.

The EFCC alleged that the defendants conspired to divert over N1.15 billion under the guise of providing security intelligence in Nigeria’s maritime domain.

The EFCC had also arraigned the former NIMASA boss in different courts over alleged fraud and stealing.