Justice R.I.B. Adebiyi of the State High Court in Ikeja, Lagos State, adjourned proceedings on Friday, March 24, to May 5, 2023, to deliver a ruling on the no‑case submissions filed by former Director‑General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi, and former Executive Director of NIMASA, Ezekiel Agaba. The two men are on trial for an alleged fraud of ₦754.8 million.
Initially, Akpobolokemi and Agaba were charged alongside Governor Juan, Vincent Udoye, Ekene Nwakuche, Adegboyega Olopoenia, and the company Gama Marine Nigeria Ltd. by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The charge was later amended to involve only Akpobolokemi and Agaba.
During Friday’s hearing, the defence counsel—Collins Ogbonna and E.D. Onyeke—presented their clients’ final written addresses and urged the court to uphold the no‑case submissions. The EFCC’s Director of Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, disclosed these developments in a statement obtained by our correspondent. According to the EFCC Public Relations Officer, the defence argued that the prosecution had not established a prima facie case that would require the defendants to be taken to the dock.
Prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, responded by urging the court to consider the evidence and the testimony of twelve witnesses. He asserted that the evidence demonstrated the essential elements of conspiracy, stealing, and forgery, noting that the second defendant had admitted to the conspiracy to steal and to forge documents. Oyedepo contended that the no‑case submissions lacked merit and requested that the court order the defendants to present their defence, stating that they had extensive explanations to offer. He added that the defendants’ statements contained no further documentary evidence for the court to consider.
Justice Adebiyi consequently adjourned the matter to Friday, May 5, 2023, for a ruling.
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