Diezani: EFCC re-arraigns Omokore over $1.6bn fraud

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on Monday re-arraigned an ally of a former Petroleum Minister, Diezani Alison-Madueke, Jide Omokore, and others on nine counts of criminal diversion of about $1.6bn alleged to be part of proceeds of the sales of petroleum products belonging to the Federal Government.

Omokore was re-arraigned before Justice Nnamdi Dimgba alongside Victor Briggs, Abiye Membere, and David Mbanefo.

Two of Omokore’s companies, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited and Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Limited, were also part of the accused persons.

Part of the offences were said to be contrary to section 1 (1) (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act and punishable under section 1(3) of the same Act.

The accused persons were earlier arraigned on July 4, 2016 before Justice Binta Nyako.

The case had to start afresh following its transfer to Justice Dimgba.

All the accused persons pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them again on Monday.

After the arraignment on Monday, the prosecuting counsel, Mr. Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), urged the court to allow the defendants to enjoy the bail earlier granted them by Justice Binta Nyako.

He also urged the court to fix a date for the commencement of trial.

The defence team did not oppose Jacobs’ applications.

Justice Dimgba agreed and fixed December 8, 2016 for trial.

Part of the charges read, “That you Olajide Jones Omokore, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Ltd., Atlantic Energy Drilling Concept Ltd and Kolawole Akanni Aluko (now at large) between May and October 2013 within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, by false pretence and with intent to defraud, induced the Nigerian Petroleum Corporation and the Federal Government of Nigeria to deliver to you 5,652,227 barrels of crude oil (Brass blend) amounting to $616,013,615.27 (Six hundred and sixteen million, thirteen thousand, six hundred and fifteen US dollars, twenty seven cents) through the medium of contract, which delivery was induced by the false pretence to wit: that you had technical competence, professional skills and funds (both local and foreign) necessary to support the NPDC in petroleum operations for the contract area and you thereby committed an offence contrary to section 1 (1) (b) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act Cap. A6, 2010, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria and punishment under section 1(3) of the same Act.”