Alleged N754. 7m Theft: Access Bank Bank Official Testifies Against Ex-NiMASA DG, Akpobolokemi, Others
A Compliance Officer with Access Bank Plc, Mr. Oliver Ewerem, today, testified before an Igbosere High Court of Lagos State, in the on going trial of the embattled Ex- Director General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Patrick Ziadeke Apobolokemi, and six others of how the sum of N 60 million was withdrawn from the account of Gama Marine Limited, a contractor with the agency.
Ewerem, a prosecution witness of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), gave the vivid transaction of the said sum while being led in evidence by the counsel to the anti- graft agency, Mr. I. A Muhammed.
Ewerem said that the money was withdrawn in three tranches from Gama Marine Limited’s account with the bank in favour of the fifth defendant, Vincent Udoye.
Akpobolokemi, is being tried alongside six others over alleged theft of N754.7 million, belonging to NIMASA.
The other defendants who were charged alongside Akpobolokemi are Captain Ezekiel Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Amechee Juan, Vincent Udoye, Captain Adegboyega Sahib Olopoenia and a company, Gama Marine Nigeria Limited.
They are standing trial on a 13-count charge bordering on stealing and forgery, preferred against them by Anti- graft agency.
Ewerem who was the second prosecution witness to testify before Justice Raliat Adebiyi led-court said that on February 2, 2015, there was a credit of N67.450 million paid into Gama Marine Limited’s account by committee of Maritime.
He also said that on February 2, 2015, there was a credit of N28 million and on same day the sum of N39.450 million was also paid into Gama Marine Limited company.
The witness also testified that between February 10 and 11 2015, there was a withdrawal of N60 million from Gama Marine, which was paid in favour of Vincent Udoye, adding that the money was withdrew in three tranches.
During cross examination by counsels to the defendant led by Dr. Joseph Nwobike, the Access Bank Compliance Officer admitted that the first, second, third, fourth, sixth and seventh defendants were not beneficiary in the payment and receive of the money.
However, the case was adjourned till tomorrow, for continuation of trial.http://thestreetreporters.com/?p=5190&preview=true
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