Another witness reveals how NIMASA paid him N29m for no contract

Another prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of Patrick Akpobolokemi, the former Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) on Tuesday testified before a Federal High Court in Lagos, saying he was paid N29 million at the agency without executing any contract.

The witness, Mr. Uchenna Emenalo, the sixth witness to be called by the Economic and Financial Crimes commission (EFCC), made the revelation while being cross examined by lawyer to the fourth accused person in the matter, Sheni Adio.

Emenalo, who was led in evidence by EFCC lawyer, Rotimi Oyedepo, informed the court that he got the payment through the third accused person, Ekene Nwakuche, who was his classmate at the university.

He also told the court that he never met the tender board, neither did he bid for any contract with NIMASA.

The witness also told the court that he sent his account to third accused person and the money was paid into his account in batches.

The former NIMASA DG was arraigned along with three others, namely Captain Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan and three companies, Blockz and Stonz Limited, Kenzo Logistics Limited and Al-Kenzo Logistic Limited.

In a 22-count charge by EFCC, they were accused of diverting a total of N2, 658,957,666 between December 23, 2013 and May 28, 2015.