Court okays EFCC witness to testify electronically in ex-NIMASA DG, Akpobolokemi’s alleged N754.8m fraud trial

Justice R.I.B. Adebiyi of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, at the resumed trial of a former Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi, and Ezekiel Bala Agaba, on alleged N754.8 million fraud on Monday, upheld the application of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to have its next witness who is based in the United States of America testify through electronic means.

The prosecution had, at the last sitting on March 18, 2022, approached the Court with the application.

The prosecuting counsel, Kufre Uduak, told the Court that the witness, one Charles Aroawode Oboh, a Director in Aroward Nigeria Limited, is based in the United States of America.

EFCC Head of Media and Publicity, Wilson Uwujaren, in a statement explained that “The prosecution is seeking an order granting leave to call the witness based in the United States of America to testify through electronic means; and for such other order, as this Honourable Court may deem fit, to make in the circumstance.”

The counsel for the second defendant, E.D. Onyeke, had opposed the application arguing that “it will be prejudicial, as he is not situated within jurisdiction.”

Onyeke argued: “We believe his evidence could be manipulated,” praying the Court to dismiss the application.

The presiding Judge of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, Justice R.I.B. Adebiyi, in his ruling on Monday, dismissed the opposition of the defence as lacking in merit, and granted the prayers of the prosecution.

The case was adjourned to June 30, 2022, for continuation of trial.