Justice Raliat Adebiyi, presiding over the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, Lagos, has deferred the trial concerning an alleged misappropriation of N754.8 million involving Patrick Akpobolokemi, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), and Ezekiel Bala Agaba, a former Executive Director of NIMASA. The adjournment is set for February 27 and 28, 2024.
Initially facing charges alongside several others, including Governor Juan, Vincent Udoye, Ekene Nwakuche, Adegboyega Olopoenia, and Gama Marine Nigeria Ltd., Akpobolokemi and Agaba now stand alone in the amended charges.
Following the closure of the prosecution’s case, the defendants, represented by their respective legal counsels, Collins Ogbonna and E.D. Onyeke, submitted no-case applications. However, on May 8, 2023, Justice Adebiyi ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the defendants regarding counts two, three, four, five, and seven relating to theft. Additionally, the second defendant was implicated in counts nine, 10, 11, and 12, concerning forgery. While acquitted on certain conspiracy charges, the defendants were directed to commence their defense on the remaining counts.
During the recent court session, Charles Okechukwu, counsel for the first defendant, informed the court of the unavailability of defense witnesses due to unforeseen circumstances, such as bereavement and travel. S.I. Suleiman, the prosecuting counsel, acknowledged receipt of the defense’s letter and expressed no objection to an adjournment.
Grace Omole, representing the second defendant, also raised no objections.
Consequently, Justice Adebiyi rescheduled the trial to February 27th and 28th, 2024, to continue proceedings.
The defendants, initially charged with twelve counts of theft and forgery amounting to N754.8 million, await further legal proceedings.
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