Witness to testify virtually against Akpobolokemi in N754.8m NIMASA fraud

Nigeria’s antigraft agency on Monday sought leave of a Lagos High Court to allow its U.S.-based witness to testify electronically in the fraud case against Patrick Akpobolokemi, a former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and his accomplice, Ezekiel Bala Agaba,

Akpobolokemi is being prosecuted over an alleged N754.8 million fraud during his tenure as DG in NIMASA.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC filed an application to the court to have its next witness testify virtually.

The said witness, Charles Aroawode Oboh, a Director in Aroward Nigeria Limited, is based in the United States of America.

The presiding Judge, Justice R.I. B. Adebiyi upheld the application.

“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 prosecution counsel had said.

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