The Justice Ibrahim NasirBuba-led Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, on Tuesday was informed by a prosecuting witness, Emeka Emenalo, that the N221m the Nigerian Maritime Safety and Administration Agency, NIMASA, under the leadership of Dr. Patrick Akpolobokemi paid into his company’s account was not solicited for.
He also informed the court that he did not also bother to ask why such huge unsolicited amount was paid into his account.
Emenalo further revealed that from the money NIMASA paid into his account, he withdrew over N300,000 for himself.
“The money was not meant for our family business. I only gave my sister, Ijeoma, some of it,” he said.
Emenalo who claimed to be the sole proprietor of O2 Services Plus Nigeria Limited, stated that prior to the transaction from the agency he had a balance of N40.00 in his company’s account.
On how his account was credited, Emenalo said, “On June 18, 2015, I received an alert for N14.2 million and a further alert of N21 million. On March 15, 2015, I also received an alert for N21 million and on May 4, 2015, I received an alert for N16 million.”
The witness informed the court that his company did not execute any contract for NIMASA to have necessitated payment of the various funds.
Justice Buba after listening to the witness adjourned the matter till Feburary 19 for continuation of trial.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, had arraigned Akpobolokemi alongside six others on a 22-count charge bordering on allegations of conversion and theft in the tune of N2.6 billion.
Charged alongside Akpobolokemi are, Captain Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan and three companies, namely Blockz and Stonz Limited, Kenzo Logistics Limited and Al-Kenzo Logistic Limited.
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