Three of My Companies Paid NIMASA Over N900m for Contracts Not Executed- Witness

The Federal High Court sitting in Ikoyi, Lagos, was on Tuesday informed by a prosecution witness, Obilor Uche, that three of his companies were paid over N900 million by the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), for a contract not executed. Giving evidence at the resumed trial of the former Director-General of NIMASA, Patrick Akpobolokemi, who is being prosecuted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alongside six others, on 22 counts bordering on allegations of conversion and theft to the tune of N2.6 billion, Uche, who claimed to be the Managing Director (MD) of Ace Prosthesis Ltd, Seabulk Offshore Ltd and Southern Offshore Ltd, told the court that money was paid into his company’s accounts although no contract was executed. He further noted that the sum of N437 million was paid to Ace Prosthesis Ltd, while the sum of N402 million was paid to Seabulk Offshore Ltd, and N66.8 million was paid to Southern Offshore Ltd. Uche argued that the second accused had come to him with the information that his companies had been awarded a contract. The witness maintained that the contract was to assist NIMASA meet the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code for 2014. He explained that not too long after the money was paid, he was told by the second defendant to stay execution of the contract. Uche said, “The second accused later directed me to transfer the money into different accounts until N54 million was left in the company’s account.” However, while being cross-examined, by the defence lawyer, Joseph Nwobike (SAN), the witness, who notified the court that he held several meetings with the second accused, affirmed that he did not hold any discussions with the first accused (Akpobolokemi) and did not receive any instructions from him. The Court, presided over by Justice Buba has adjourned till February 5 for trial to continue. Aside the former NIMASA DG, others charged with him are; Captain Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan ”“ and three companies, namely Blockz and Stonz Ltd, Kenzo Logistics Ltd and Al-Kenzo Logistic Ltd. They had all pleaded not guilty to the charges made against them by the EFCC.