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I changed N93m for Akpobolokemi in one transaction, says witness

By Godwin Dunia
10 May 2016   |   12:32 am
A Bureau-de-Change operator, Wakili Dauda yesterday told a Lagos High Court his role in the alleged N754.7 million theft case filed against him.
Patrick Akpobolokemi

Patrick Akpobolokemi

A Bureau-de-Change operator, Wakili Dauda yesterday told a Lagos High Court his role in the alleged N754.7 million theft case filed against him.

It was at the continuation of trial of former Director General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi and six others.

Dauda, who is the fifth prosecution witness, said in one transaction with the 5th defendant, he changed the sum of N93, 394,680 million, which was paid in dollar denomination to his account.

Akpobolokemi was arraigned alongside Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Goveror Amechee Jun, Vincent Udoye, Adegboyega Sahib Olopoeni, ad a compay, Gama Maine Nigeria Limited. They are standing trial on a 13-count charge bordering on stealing and forgery, preferred against them by EFCC.

The 1st to 5th defendants (Akpobolokemi, Captain Agaba, Nwakuche, Jun, Udoye) were alleged to have, between October 30, 2014 to May 6, 2015, converted to their personal use the sum of N346, 844,680.00, property of NIMASA released to them for the implementation of Voluntary International Maritime Organisation Member State Audit Scheme (VIMSAS).

Dauda, who testified before Justice Raliat Adebiyi stated that he came in contact with the agency through one Mohammed Darlington, who collected his account number and told him that his customer, Captain Ezekiel Agaba (2nd defendant) wanted to change some money into dollars.

The witness, who was led in evidence by the EFCC’s counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, stated that ‎on October 30,2014, the sum of N35, 688,000 million was paid into his account by one Muhammed Darlington, who claimed to be working for the second defendant.

He further stated that on the same day, the sum of N61.3 million was also changed into dollars and paid into his account.
Daudu who spoke through an interpreter stated, “I don’t know anybody in NIMASA and I have never bidded for any contract there, but million of naira was paid into my account” The matter has been adjourned till today for continuation of trial

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