Ex-NIMASA Director General Akpobolokemi Acquitted in N8.5 Billion Fraud Case

A Federal High Court in Lagos has discharged and acquitted Patrick Akpobolokemi, the former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), of an alleged N8.5 billion fraud case brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Justice Ayokunle Faji ruled that the EFCC failed to establish a prima facie case against Akpobolokemi and Josephine Otuaga, a NIMASA staff member.

The court held that the prosecution's witnesses did not provide any credible evidence linking Akpobolokemi to the alleged crimes of conspiracy, conversion, and stealing of NIMASA funds. "The prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against the first and fourth defendants," Justice Faji stated in his ruling. As a result, the court discharged and acquitted Akpobolokemi and Otuaga of all charges.

However, the court ordered two other defendants, retired Major-General Emmanuel Atewe, former Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation Pulo Shield, and Kime Engonzu, another NIMASA staff member, to open their defense as they have a case to answer in counts 12 to 22 of the charge. The trial of Atewe and Engonzu will continue on May 6, 2024.

Why this matters: The acquittal of Akpobolokemi in this high-profile corruption case is significant, as it highlights the challenges faced by anti-graft agencies in securing convictions against public officials accused of fraud and embezzlement. The outcome of this case may have implications for similar ongoing corruption trials in Nigeria.

The EFCC had alleged that the defendants conspired among themselves to convert and steal over N8.5 billion belonging to NIMASA in 2014. However, after reviewing the evidence presented by the prosecution, the court determined that there was insufficient proof to require Akpobolokemi and Otuaga to enter a defense. The trial will proceed for the remaining two defendants, with the court set to hear their defense arguments in the coming months.

Key Takeaways

• Court acquits ex-NIMASA DG Akpobolokemi of alleged N8.5bn fraud case.
• Court rules EFCC failed to establish prima facie case against Akpobolokemi and Otuaga.
• Two other defendants, Atewe and Engonzu, ordered to open defense in the case.
• Acquittal highlights challenges faced by anti-graft agencies in securing convictions.
• Outcome may have implications for similar ongoing corruption trials in Nigeria.