Former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Patrick Akpobolokemi, on Monday, lost out in his bid to use a no case submission to escape the N2.6 billion fraud trial.
This is as a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, overruled and dismissed the no case submission, saying the application cannot hold water at this stage of trial because the prosecution counsel Rotimi Oyedepo have through 12 prosecution witnesses established prima- facie case against the defendants
Accordingly, trial judge, Justice Buba fixed October 30th for Akpobolokemi to open their case
It would be recalled that on December 4, 2015 the EFCC arraigned former NIMASA boss alongside five others, for allegedly diverting N2.6 billion from the coffers of NIMASA between December 2013, and May 2015.
EFCC claimed that the funds were approved by ex-President Goodluck Jonathan for the implementation of a security project.
Others charged with him include Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Juan, Blockz and Stonz Ltd. and Al-Kenzo Logistic Ltd.
All the defendants had pleaded not guilty to the 22 count charges preferred against them by the anti-graft agency.
