In a dramatic turn of events at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Justice Modupe Osho-Adebiyi made a pivotal decision in the bribery trial of Mr. Akintoye Akindele, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Duport Midstream Company Limited. Three crucial documents were admitted as exhibits during the cross-examination of the first prosecution witness, Mr. Ibrahim Ezekiel Sini, a Superintendent of Police.
The documents, including a petition to the Inspector General of Police by Summit Oil International Ltd, the Original Statement of Akindele to the Police, and a Motion filed before a Nasarawa State High Court, were marked as exhibits A2, A3, and A4, respectively. These documents shed light on the allegations of bribery and corruption surrounding the sum of $5,636,397.01, belonging to Summit Oil International Ltd.
Akindele, a prominent oil magnate, is facing a one-count charge of bribing a police officer to obstruct an investigation into the alleged diversion of funds. The court proceedings revealed the intricate details of the case, with Mrs. Funmi Quadri, SAN, representing the defendant, challenging the witness with compelling evidence.
During the cross-examination, Mrs. Quadri presented the original statement made by Akindele to the IGP, where he claimed that the money transferred to an account provided by Sini was intended to demonstrate his willingness to repay the debt owed to Summit Oil International Ltd. The defendant’s defense centered around the assertion that the funds transferred were part of a repayment plan for the alleged debt.
Despite the intense scrutiny and probing questions, Sini maintained his stance and denied any wrongdoing in the handling of the case. The proceedings highlighted the complexities of the legal battle and the high stakes involved in the bribery trial.
As the court adjourned to April 18 for the police to call their next witnesses, the gravity of the situation became apparent. The one-count charge against Akindele paints a vivid picture of the alleged offenses, emphasizing the severity of the accusations and the potential consequences.
The unfolding drama in the courtroom captivated onlookers and legal experts alike, underscoring the importance of upholding justice and integrity in the face of corruption allegations. The trial of Mr. Akintoye Akindele serves as a stark reminder of the challenges in combating bribery and corruption in the corporate world, resonating with audiences worldwide.
