NIMASA Fund Scam: Witness Narrates Fraudulent Transfer of N67.45m

As trial of an Ex-Director-General of the Nigeria Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Ziadeke Akpobolokemi and six others continued yesterday, 3rd May, 2016 before Justice R.I.B Adebiyi of a Lagos State High Court sitting in Igbosere, an account officer Oliver Ewerem of Access Bank Plc narrated how funds were transferred to Gama Marine Nigeria Limited and one Vincent Udoye from a NIMASA account.

While being led in evidence by prosecuting counsel Idris Abdullahi Mohammed, Ewerem gave a breakdown of some of the transactions that occurred between 2nd – 11th February, 2015.

“On 2nd February, 2015, there was a credit of N28,000,000 from the account of Committee of Voluntary International Maritime Organization Member State Audit Scheme, VIMSAS. The same day, another credit of N39,450,000 entered into account of Gama Marine.

“On 10th February, 2015, there were withdrawals from Gama Marine account in favour of one Vincent Udoye, N10 Million in three tranches which is N30 million was made. Another withdrawal by same Vincent Udoye in three tranches of N10, 000,000 which is N30 million occurred again in the same account.

“Also, on 10 February, 2015, a credit of N10,000,000 in three tranches was paid into Vincent Udoye’s account. On 11 February 2015, another credit of N10,000,000 million in three other tranches were again paid into the account of Vincent Udoye, altogether being seven transactions and amounting to N67,450,000,”.

Akpobolokemi is standing trial alongside six others on a 13-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and fraudulent conversion of funds to the tune of N687,294,680 (Six Hundred and Eighty Seven Million, Two Hundred and Ninety Four Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighty Naira).

His co-accused persons are Captain Ezekiel Bala Agaba, Ekene Nwakuche, Governor Amechee Juan, Vincent Udoye, Captain Ade Sahib Olopoenia and Gama Marine Nigeria Limited. [EFCC]